Episode Description

What does it mean to be justified before God? Can a person truly be sure they are right with Him? Is justification based on what I do — or on what Christ has done? And how does justification by faith bring peace, security, and assurance to the Christian?

In this episode, Pastor Josh examines justification as the legal declaration by God Himself that a sinner has been made righteous — not on the basis of his own works, but on the merit of Jesus Christ. He walks through the law as the mirror that exposes sin, Abraham as the Old Testament pattern of faith counted for righteousness, and imputation as the mechanism by which Christ’s righteousness is credited to the believer. Justification is not a process. It is a declaration. And because it rests on Christ’s finished work and not our own, it can never be lost, undone, or reversed.

Key Scriptures

Romans 1:16–17 — The Righteousness of God Revealed

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 3:19–20 — 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.

Romans 3:23–25 — Justified Freely by His Grace

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.

Galatians 2:16 — Not Justified by the Works of the Law

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Genesis 15:6 — Counted Unto Him for Righteousness

And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Romans 4:3–5 — Abraham’s Faith Imputed

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 4:24–25 — Delivered for Our Offenses, Raised for Our Justification

But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Romans 5:12, 19 — The Two One-Men

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned... For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

2 Corinthians 5:21 — Made Sin for Us

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Isaiah 53:6 — The LORD Hath Laid On Him

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Romans 5:1 — Peace with God

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Titus 3:5–7 — Not by Works of Righteousness

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Romans 8:33–34 — It Is God That Justifieth

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Episode Outline

* A Legal Declaration — Justification defined as God’s verdict that the sinner is righteous in His sight

* Why We Need It — Sin entered through Adam, and all are guilty before God

* The Mirror of the Law — Why the law condemns rather than justifies

* The Great Physician — Christ came for the sick, not those who think themselves whole

* Abraham Believed God — Faith counted for righteousness before circumcision and before the law

* Christ Delivered and Raised — The ground of justification (Romans 4:25)

* Imputation Explained — How Adam’s sin and Christ’s righteousness are credited

* The Two One-Men — Born in Adam, made righteous in Christ

* Faith Receives What Grace Provides — Not a process, but a declaration

* Permanent and Secure — You can never become “unjustified”

* The Gavel Has Sounded — Case closed; believe today

Questions Discussed

* What does it mean to be justified before God?

* Can a person truly be sure they are right with God?

* Is justification based on what I do — or on what Christ has done?

* How does justification by faith bring peace, security, and assurance to the Christian?

* How can man be just with God? (Job’s ancient question)

* Why did God allow the law to make sin abound rather than save us from it?

* If Christ is the provision of justification, how does that provision actually become mine?

* Can a justified believer ever lose their salvation or become “unjustified”?

* Are you trying to work for a salvation Christ has already finished?

Episode Description

What does it mean that Jesus is the propitiation for our sins? Why did Jesus have to die such a brutal death — wasn’t God loving enough to forgive without it? And how can God be both perfectly just and abundantly gracious at the same time? Propitiation is a word Christianity often neglects, softens, or replaces — and yet it stands at the very center of how the cross works.

In this episode, Pastor Josh examines propitiation as the satisfaction and appeasement of God’s wrath against sin. He walks through the Old Testament types — the mercy seat, the Day of Atonement, the prophetic words of Ezekiel and Isaiah 53 — and shows how each pointed forward to the one true and final propitiation in Jesus Christ. God did not throw justice out the window. He poured out His wrath upon His own Son, so that those who believe in Jesus could have not a false peace, but true, lasting peace with God.

Key Scriptures

Romans 1:18 — The Wrath of God Revealed

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.

Nahum 1:6 — Who Can Stand Before His Indignation

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

Habakkuk 1:13 — Of Purer Eyes Than to Behold Evil

Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?

Ezekiel 16:63 — When I Am Pacified Toward Thee

That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

Isaiah 53:10–11 — He Shall See and Be Satisfied

Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Romans 3:25 — Set Forth to Be a Propitiation

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.

1 John 2:2 — He Is the Propitiation

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 4:10 — Here Is Love

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Romans 5:1 — Peace with God

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:1 — No Condemnation

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Episode Outline

* A Word Often Neglected — What propitiation means and why it matters

* Provision and Application — How the work is provided and then imputed to the believer by faith

* God’s Wrath Is Righteous, Not Impulsive — His holiness demands justice

* Old Testament Allusions — The mercy seat, the Day of Atonement, and the High Priest’s work

* The Prophetic Word — Ezekiel 16:63 and Isaiah 53 on God being pacified and satisfied

* God Did Not Overlook Sin — He judged it 100% perfectly, eternally, in His Son

* Love and Justice Together — How the cross reveals both at the same time

* The New Testament Declarations — Romans 3:25, 1 John 2:2 and 4:10

* True Peace with God — Not a facade, but the law of His court satisfied

* Rest in the Finished Work — The call to stop trying to appease and start believing

Questions Discussed

* What does it mean that Jesus is the propitiation for our sins?

* Why did Jesus have to die such a brutal death?

* Wasn’t God loving enough to forgive without it?

* How is God’s justice and His love reconciled at the cross?

* Why does propitiation matter for my salvation and assurance?

* If you are not a Christian — do you really need to appease God yourself?

* If you are a believer — are you still trying to earn peace with God that Christ has already secured?

Episode Description

What does it mean to be redeemed? Why is redemption necessary? And what does it cost? Redemption is one of the major themes of all of scripture — a thread that runs from Genesis through Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, through Boaz and Ruth, and finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our nearest kinsman, both willing and able to pay the price without compromise.

In this episode, Pastor Josh walks through the three key ideas of biblical redemption — the bondage, the price, and the deliverance. He examines the Old Testament pictures of the kinsman redeemer and the Passover lamb, exposes man’s bondage to sin and the law, and shows why no riches, wit, lineage, or sorrow of our own can pay the wages of our sin debt. There is redemption — but it is only and exclusively in Jesus Christ, through His blood, offered freely by His grace.

Key Scriptures

Leviticus 25:25 — The Law of the Kinsman Redeemer

If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.

Exodus 6:6 — Redeemed with a Stretched Out Arm

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments.

Exodus 15:13 — Led Forth in Mercy

Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.

Ruth 4:14 — A Kinsman to Redeem

And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

2 Corinthians 5:21 — Made Sin for Us

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Romans 3:23–24 — Justified Freely Through Redemption

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:17 — Servants of Sin

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Galatians 4:3–5 — Sent Forth to Redeem

Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Ephesians 1:7 — Redemption Through His Blood

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.

1 Peter 1:18–19 — Not with Corruptible Things

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Galatians 3:13 — Redeemed from the Curse of the Law

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.

Titus 2:14 — Who Gave Himself for Us

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Colossians 1:13–14 — Translated into the Kingdom

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Romans 8:23 — The Future Redemption of the Body

And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Episode Outline

* A Transaction, Not a Concept — What redemption actually means: to purchase back by paying a ransom

* Three Key Ideas — The bondage, the price, and the deliverance

* Old Testament Pictures — Israel redeemed from Egypt and the blood of the Passover lamb

* The Kinsman Redeemer — Boaz and Ruth as a type of Christ

* Willing and Able — Why Christ alone could redeem without compromise (2 Corinthians 5:21)

* Man’s Bondage — Servants of sin, condemned by the law

* The Price Is His Blood — Ephesians 1:7 and 1 Peter 1:18–19

* Redemption Only in Christ — Not in riches, wit, lineage, or sorrow

* Present and Future — Redemption of the soul now, redemption of the body to come

* Have You Been Redeemed? — The call to trust your nearest kinsman

Questions Discussed

* What does it mean to be redeemed?

* Why is redemption necessary?

* And what does it cost?

* Have you ever considered that you need to be purchased — rescued from something you cannot escape?

* If the law of God is good, why is it the means by which we are condemned rather than saved?

* How can you both live and die — except in the Lord Jesus Christ?

* Have you been redeemed? Have you trusted the blood of Christ as your only hope?

Episode Description

Have you ever wondered if you are doing enough to please God? Quietly hoped your good deeds might outweigh the bad on some kind of scale? That kind of thinking is everywhere — inside Christianity and outside it — and it is the very thing the Apostle Paul made the battleground of the gospel itself in Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians.

In this episode, Pastor Josh examines the grace of God in contrast to works. Grace is not unmerited favor as merely a human concept — it begins in the character of God Himself, declared from Exodus 34 onward as merciful, gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness. The deeper question follows: how can a holy God be both just and gracious at the same time? The answer is found in Romans 3 — God is just and the justifier of him that believes in Jesus. Grace and works are opposites; they do not mix. And the grace that saves the sinner is the same grace that teaches the believer to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.

Key Scriptures

Exodus 34:6 — The Lord Proclaims His Own Name

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.

Psalm 86:15 — A God Full of Compassion

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Psalm 103:8–10 — He Hath Not Dealt with Us After Our Sins

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

1 Peter 5:10 — The God of All Grace

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Romans 3:24–26 — Just and the Justifier

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

John 1:16–17 — Grace and Truth Came by Jesus Christ

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:23 — All Have Sinned

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 11:6 — Grace and Works Cannot Mix

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Ephesians 2:8–9 — Saved by Grace through Faith

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Titus 2:11–12 — Grace Teaches the Believer

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.

2 Corinthians 12:9 — Grace Sufficient in Weakness

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Episode Outline

* Am I Doing Enough? — The common scale-of-deeds thinking that gets in the way of the gospel

* Grace Begins with God — Exodus 34 and the name the Lord proclaims of Himself

* The God of All Grace — Why one word “grace” is not enough (1 Peter 5:10)

* Defining Grace — Unmerited favor; God’s riches at Christ’s expense

* Just and the Justifier — How God satisfies His wrath against sin and still forgives (Romans 3:26)

* Grace Comes Only by Jesus Christ — Not by Moses, Adam, or Abraham (John 1:17)

* Grace versus Works — Why they are opposites and cannot mix (Romans 11:6)

* The Spiritual Hamster Wheel — Why no amount of works can ever measure up

* Grace for the Believer Too — Sufficient in weakness, teaching us to live godly (Titus 2)

Questions Discussed

* Have you ever wondered, am I doing enough to please God?

* Is salvation something we earn by doing good — or a gift received by faith apart from our works?

* What role, if any, do works play in the Christian life?

* How can God be both just and gracious at the same time?

* How is He able to pour out His wrath upon sin and yet extend grace?

* Do you know the grace of God?

* Do you understand the difference between grace and works?

Episode Description

The gospel has been declared — Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. But what response is God looking for? Is it faith? Is it repentance? Is it both? And what exactly does repentance mean — turning from sin, cleaning up your life, mustering up strength to be worthy?

In this episode, Pastor Josh distinguishes faith from works, shows why grace and faith are compatible while grace and works are not, and clears up one of the most common sources of confusion in Christianity — the proper definition of repentance. Faith is the God-ordained, non-meritorious response that trusts in the merit of Jesus Christ alone. Repentance is the change of mind that leads the heart to that faith. Confuse the two, and the gospel collapses into another religion of human effort.

Key Scriptures

Ephesians 2:8–9 — Grace and Faith

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Romans 4:4–5 — Faith Counted for Righteousness

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 4:24–25 — Believing on Him Who Raised Jesus

But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Galatians 3:5, 12 — The Hearing of Faith, Not the Works of the Law

He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? … And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Romans 3:27 — The Law of Faith

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Romans 11:6 — Grace and Works Cannot Mix

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Isaiah 66:2 — The Heart God Looks Upon

For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Romans 6:17 — Obedience from the Heart

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Romans 2:4–5 — The Goodness of God Leads to Repentance

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.

Romans 5:8 — Christ Died for Sinners

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Episode Outline

* The Question Before Us — What response is God looking for from the unbeliever?

* Defining Faith — Trusting in someone or something to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves

* Faith vs. Works — Galatians 3, the chair illustration, and why they are like water and oil

* Grace and Faith Are Compatible — Romans 4 and 11 on why grace requires faith, not works

* The Law of Faith — Romans 3:27 and the God-ordained response that excludes all boasting

* Faith Comes from the Heart — Isaiah 66:2 and Romans 6:17 on the contrite spirit

* Where Does Repentance Fit In? — Why “turning from sin” muddies the waters

* Repentance Properly Defined — A change of mind, a penitent heart, agreeing with God

* Faith Alone Saves — Believe today and be saved

Questions Discussed

* What does it mean to truly believe the gospel — and how is that different from just knowing facts about Jesus?

* If salvation is by grace through faith, what role does repentance play — and is it something we do to be saved?

* How is faith different from a work?

* Why are grace and faith compatible, but grace and works are not?

* Can the ungodly have faith?

* Where does repentance fit in if it is not part of the law of faith?

* Does repentance mean turning from sin — or something else?

* Have you responded to the gospel in the God-ordained law of faith?

Episode Description

Two thousand years ago, three events took place in the span of three days that have shaped every century since — the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But what makes these more than historical curiosities? Why does the Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, define the gospel by these three specific facts and nothing else?

In this episode, Pastor Josh walks through the gospel as Paul presents it — Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day, according to the scriptures. Each piece carries weight that cannot be removed without losing the whole. The death is substitutionary. The burial is proof. The resurrection is victory. And the question that follows is not whether the gospel is true, but whether you have believed it.

Key Scriptures

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 — The Gospel Defined

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

Romans 5:8 — Christ Died for Sinners

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:23 — The Wages of Sin

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Isaiah 53:9 — His Burial Foretold

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

1 Corinthians 15:54–57 — Death Swallowed Up in Victory

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 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. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 4:25 — Raised for Our Justification

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

1 Thessalonians 1:9–10 — Turning to the Living God

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Romans 1:16–18 — Not Ashamed of the Gospel

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.

Episode Outline

* The Pivotal Message — Why the death, burial, and resurrection still matter today

* Paul’s Definition of the Gospel — Not what we do, but what Christ has done (1 Corinthians 15:1–4)

* Christ Died for Our Sins — Substitutionary atonement and the offense of the cross

* He Was Buried — Why the burial is evidence, not detail

* He Rose Again the Third Day — The resurrection as victory and acceptance of payment

* A Living Savior, Not a Dead Teacher — Daily hope and present power

* The Most Important Question — Have you received the gospel?

Questions Discussed

* Could events that took place nearly 2,000 years ago still be the most important news for the world today?

* What exactly is the gospel of Christ — and why does it center on His death, burial, and resurrection?

* Do you know that you are a sinner — and that this is the very thing that separates you from God?

* If Christ did not rise from the dead, where does that leave you and your sins?

* Why does the burial matter — isn’t it just a detail between the cross and the empty tomb?

* Do you serve a dead teacher or a living Savior?

* Have you received the gospel? Have you believed the gospel?

Episode Description

What is God actually like? Not what we imagine Him to be, not what culture says He is -- but what does the Word of God declare about His nature? In this episode Pastor Josh Strelecki opens the Scripture to examine the attributes of God, dividing them into two categories: the communicable attributes that God shares with His image-bearers, and the incommunicable attributes that belong to God alone.

Simply beholding God in Christ changes us. That is the promise of 2 Corinthians 3:18 and the driving conviction of this episode. From omniscience to holiness, from the Trinity to God’s preeminence, this teaching surveys the divine nature and shows what it means to serve -- and be transformed by -- a God whose love is boundless and whose justice is sure.

Key Scriptures

2 Corinthians 3:18

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.

Acts 17:28

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Genesis 1:26

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.

Matthew 28:19

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

2 Corinthians 13:14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Ephesians 1:11

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Psalm 103:19

The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

Isaiah 6:3

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

Psalm 147:5

Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

1 John 3:20

For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Jeremiah 32:17

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.

Matthew 19:26

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Psalm 139:7-10

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

Jeremiah 23:24

Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

Psalm 90:2

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

1 John 4:8

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Deuteronomy 32:4

He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Episode Outline

Introduction -- Beholding Changes Us

* 2 Corinthians 3:18 -- simply beholding God in Christ changes us

* Acts 17:28 -- in Him we live and move and have our being; man is God’s offspring by creation

* The episode aim: behold the nature of God and understand how His attributes shape our view of life

The Two Categories of God’s Attributes

Communicable Attributes

* Characteristics or qualities of God that can be found to some degree in man, whom He made in His image

* God shares or communicates these to His creation, allowing man to reflect them in a finite way

* Examples: love, holiness, wisdom, justice and righteousness, mercy, goodness, patience

* True for believers and unbelievers alike -- any human being can mirror these divine qualities

* These are redeemed and found glorifying to God in Jesus Christ as we behold His image

Incommunicable Attributes

* Characteristics or qualities unique to God alone -- cannot be shared or possessed by humans

* Highlight the ways God’s nature is fundamentally different from and above His creation

* Examples: omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence, eternality, immutability, aseity

* Aseity -- His self-existence and independence; He needs nothing outside Himself to exist

The Incommunicable Attributes -- Examined

The Trinity

* One being in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- each truly God

* Matthew 28:19 and 2 Corinthians 13:14 identify all three persons together

* Each person plays a unique role in creation and redemption

* The Trinity is a model for relationship and community -- God is relational by nature

* Because God is a Trinity, He is love -- and this defines how His creatures are to relate to one another

Preeminence

* God possesses ultimate authority and control over all creation

* Ephesians 1 -- He works all things according to the good pleasure of His will and His eternal purpose in Christ

* Psalm 103:19 -- His kingdom ruleth over all

* Romans 8:28 -- all things work together for good because He is preeminent

* He is preeminent by virtue of creation and by virtue of Christ being raised from the dead

* All authority in heaven and earth is given to Jesus Christ

Holiness

* Isaiah 6 and Revelation -- “Holy, holy, holy” -- nowhere else is God described with any other attribute tripled

* Holiness communicates purity, perfection, and absolute separation from all else

* He is holy in His love, holy in His justice, holy in His truth -- separate and above all

* His holiness towards creation is unlike anything else because He is separate in His love

Omniscience

* Complete and perfect knowledge of all things -- past, present, and future

* Psalm 147:5 -- His understanding is infinite

* 1 John 3:20 -- God is greater than our heart and knoweth all things

* He knows our thoughts and intentions and can search our hearts and minds

* Provides believers comfort -- God is never surprised or uninformed about our circumstances

Omnipotence

* Unlimited and unmatched power -- He is able to do anything in view of His nature and will

* Displayed in creation -- Hebrews 1:3, He upholds all things by the word of His power

* Jeremiah 32:17 -- “there is nothing too hard for thee”

* Matthew 19:26 -- “with God all things are possible”

* Empowers believers to be strong in the Lord, trust His promises, and understand His will

Omnipresence

* God is present everywhere at all times, transcending physical limitations

* Psalm 139:7-10 -- whether in heaven or hell, God is there

* Jeremiah 23:24 -- “Do not I fill heaven and earth?”

* God’s presence provides comfort and guidance; transcends limitations of space and time

Eternality

* He has no beginning and no end

* Therefore His purpose, His will, and His promises endure forever

* Psalm 90:2 -- from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God

Immutability

* Unchanging in His essence and character -- steadfast and faithful

* Hebrews 13:8 -- Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever

* Because He does not change, what He promises He will always bring to pass

The Communicable Attributes -- Examined

Love

* 1 John 4:8 -- God is love; not that He generates love but that He is love

* Profound, selfless, unconditional; commended in the sacrificial gift of His Son

* Descends to man offering grace to save from sin and constrains us to live unto the One who died for us

Justice and Righteousness

* God is just and righteous -- all actions align with His perfect morality

* His justice means sin is addressed appropriately

* His righteousness grants believers right standing through faith

* Deuteronomy 32:4 -- “just and right is he”

Conclusion -- What Beholding Produces

* Communicable attributes invite us to reflect His character in our daily lives

* Incommunicable attributes speak to His unrivaled preeminence and majesty -- inspiring awe and reverence

* Together they prompt us to live humbly and thankfully

* God is both intimately relatable in His love and infinitely greater than we can comprehend

* The goal: behold the image of God in the visible of Jesus Christ -- and be changed

Questions Discussed

* Have you ever paused to wonder about the vastness of knowledge, power, and presence that God holds?

* How does the eternal and unchanging nature of God influence every moment of your life?

* What does it mean to serve a God whose love is boundless and whose justice is sure and unwavering?

* What is the difference between the communicable and incommunicable attributes of God?

* If God is omniscient and knows our every thought -- how does that change how you approach Him?

* How does understanding God’s preeminence give you confidence that Romans 8:28 is actually true?

* Are you beholding God in Christ -- and is that beholding changing you?

In a world overflowing with opinions, philosophies, and spiritual voices, one question stands above the rest: can an ancient book actually speak with authority into modern life? In this episode, Pastor Josh Strelecki opens the Word of God to examine what the Bible claims for itself — not from the outside looking in, but from within the text itself.

The Bible is not merely a religious tradition or a collection of spiritual wisdom. It is the inspired, preserved, eternal Word of God — and it makes that claim boldly. This episode surveys six foundational characteristics of Scripture and calls the listener to take up the Word of God as the final authority for truth, life, and salvation.

Key Scriptures

2 Timothy 3:16–17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:16–17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Peter 1:20–21

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of men: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

John 17:17

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Psalm 12:6–7

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Isaiah 40:8

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Psalm 138:2

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

Matthew 4:4

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

1 Peter 2:2

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

Psalm 19:10

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

2 Peter 1:3

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.

1 Thessalonians 2:13

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Episode Outline

Introduction — Can We Trust an Ancient Book?

* The central question: what makes the Bible different from other spiritual writings?

* The Bible examined from within — its own declarations prove its authority

Six Characteristics of Scripture

1. Scripture is inspired by God

* 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — all Scripture is God-breathed

* God uses human instruments without overcoming them — He breathes through them

* The Bible does not merely contain God’s Word — it is God’s Word

* Four purposes: doctrine (teaches truth), reproof (exposes error), correction (restores), instruction in righteousness (trains toward godliness)

2. Scripture is not man-made

* 2 Peter 1:20–21 — prophecy came not by the will of men

* Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost

* We examine the message of God, not the preferences of human authors

3. Scripture is truth

* John 17:17 — “Thy word is truth” — not merely true, but truth itself

* The only reliable source for truth about God, creation, self, marriage, culture, and eternity

4. Scripture is pure

* Psalm 12:6–7 — pure words, as silver tried in a furnace, purified seven times

* Untainted by man’s preferences and assumptions

* Pure and preserved — we can trust our Bible today

5. Scripture is eternal and unchanging

* Matthew 24:35 — heaven and earth shall pass away, but His words shall not

* Kingdoms rise and fall; cultures come and go; God’s Word endures forever

* Because it is unchanging, it is always relevant — it never goes out of style or effect

6. Scripture is living and discerning

* Hebrews 4:12 — quick (alive), powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword

* Its realm of usefulness is the inner man — the thoughts and intents of the heart

* It convicts, comforts, corrects, chastens, gives peace, communicates God’s love, and gives discernment

Call to the Word

* Isaiah 40:8 — the Word stands forever; it is the Christian’s foundation in a shifting world

* Psalm 138:2 — God magnifies His Word above all His name

* Matthew 4:4 — man shall not live by bread alone

* Psalm 19:10 — more to be desired than gold, sweeter than honey

* 1 Thessalonians 2:13 — receive it not as the word of men, but as the Word of God

* Get into the Bible reading habit. Read it. Believe it. Meditate upon it. Obey it.

Questions Discussed

This episode is a teaching, not a Q&A. The questions below are the rhetorical questions Pastor Josh poses throughout — they are the driving questions of the episode.

* Can we really trust an ancient book to speak into modern life?

* What makes the Bible different from other sacred texts or spiritual writings?

* If there is evidence the Bible came from God, would you want to know about it?

* You can't prove the Bible with the Bible — is that a fair objection?

* What does "perfect" mean in 2 Timothy 3:17 — is it sinless perfection?

* Where do you turn when you need truth about creation, yourself, God, or eternity?

* Are you hungry for the Word of God? Is it sweet to you — or just a book on a shelf?