Simply By Grace Podcast

The Philippines is the most Roman Catholic country in the world. It is no wonder that it is a starting place for most who become Protestant Evangelical Christians. Erwin Armador, pastor of GFC Nuvali Church in the Philippines journeyed from his Catholic background into Pentecostal Protestantism finding Jesus as his Savior along the way. But ultimately, his Arminian theology left him with questions and doubts. He then adopted Calvinism, but found that it lacked the joy he desired and also left him with theological questions about the character of God. He was a committed Calvinist until he encountered another option, Free Grace theology. With a new enthusiasm and freedom, he received theological training at Grace School of Theology (Grace Asia in the Philippines) earning his DMin degree. He now pastors a vibrant church committed to intentionally making disciples. Pastor Erwin is committed to sharing the gospel of grace with his nation and recently spoke at the Free Grace Alliance regional conference there. Charlie sat with him to record his story, which should encourage everyone to appreciate the free grace of God in the biblical gospel. See how the message of God's grace has changed his life and shaped his ministry. You will see God has used and will continue to use this man as a trophy of grace in the Philippines and beyond.
#GCFNuvali#FreeGracePhilippines#CalvinismPhilippines#SimplybyGrace#youtube.com?@gracelifeorg

Madel knew the Roman Catholic theology she was raised with. When she felt it unfulfilling, she migrated to Protestant Evangelicalism where Calvinism was the default view. That is all she knew, but it left her with questions and feeling a bit uncomfortable. Deeply involved in ministry as a Bible study leader, she found herself becoming a "fruit detector" wondering if those in her group were showing enough fruit and good works to prove they were indeed true believers. She had heard of the Free Grace view, but believed the reports that it was "easy-believism." Madel concluded the best way to know the truth about the Free Grace view was to study it, so she enrolled in Grace School of Theology (Grace Asia in the Philippines). In her first classes, she heard that that the gospel of God's free grace meant that she could know for certain she was saved. She learned that Jesus Christ died for all and offers all who believe in Him eternal life that cannot be earned or lost. When this truth dawned on her, Madel had a burden of doubt lifted and left her with a joyful heart. She now shares that message in ministry including writing curricula. Completing her master's degree at GSOT, she is now working on her ThD at another seminary. Charlie spoke at a Free Grace Alliance regional meeting at her church, Grace Victory Church in the Philippines, which Madel helped organize and he was able to record her testimony. Be sure to share Madel's exciting story with those who need the freedom that grace, free grace, brings. #GraceforPhilippines #AssuranceofSalvation #SimplybyGrace#youtube.com/@gracelifeorg

In this second part of Charlie's message on Romans chapter 4, he begins with verse 9 that argues Abraham was not declared righteous because he was circumcised as a sign of being Jewish. He was circumcised (Genesis 17) some 14 years after he was declared righteous in Genesis 15. This makes Abraham the father of all who believe, not just the Jews who are circumcised. God's promise of Abraham's seed or descendant who would be heir to the promise can only be appropriated through faith, not works or rituals like circumcision. Neither can the Law obtain the promise. On the contrary, the Law brings God's wrath because it condemns all who break it, which is everyone. Paul's conclusion is that grace can only be ralized through faith. A good illustration of faith is how Abraham believed God's promise of an heir even though he and Sarah were old and beyond natural childbearing age. Yet Abraham believed God could do this miracle, and Abraham's faith was again vindicated. Paul assures the readers that this story and its lessons on justification through faith alone was written for the sake of his readers, and by implication, for us today. We can also be justified by faith in the gracious promise of God. #SimplybyGrace#Simplythroughfaith#Faithalone#Romans4

How can a sinner be made acceptable to a righteous God? Many explanations of what one must do to be saved have confused the issue. In part 1 of this sermon on Romans chapter 4, Charlie shows how verses 1-8 makes it clear that salvation is simply through faith. Having made the case that jutification salvation is given by God as an absolutely freely gift in Romans chapter 3, the Apostle Paul goes on to argue that the only way for a sinner to obtain that free grace is through faith. Faith is being convinced that something is true and therefore trustworthy. Faith is contrasted with works. Using Abraham as an example, and citing Genesis 15:6, Paul shows that Abraham was not justified before God by his works, but through faith in God's promised descendant who would bless the world. Abraham's faith may have been justified (vindicated, affirmed) before men when they saw him willing to obey God and offer Isaac as a sacrifice, but that did not justify him before God. Charlie takes a quick look at James 2:20-24 explaining that Abraham's faith was seen by others and therefore his faith in God was vindicated or shown to be genuine. King David is mentioned as an example of someone--another key Jewish figure--who enjoyed the benefit of forgiveness of sins because of his faith. There is hardly a clearer passage in the Bible than this one which shows the simplicity of salvation through faith. #SimplybyGrace#Simplythroughfaith#Faithalone#Romans4

Suicide by anyone is a terrible tragedy filled with uncertainty by those who kill themselves and those who will miss them. Unfortunately, it is a reality in this world. But what about a Christian who commits suicide? Or, is it possible that a Christian can commit suicide? And does that Christian lose salvation? This presentation is from GraceLife's GraceNotes series, no. 26. It follows previous discussions of eternal security, and the extent of God's forgiveness. Suicide of the Christian relates to those issues. Some think that a Christian, who commits suicide cannot be forgiven because a dead person cannot ask for forgiveness or repent from their sin. The question is, is God's grace, big enough to cover even in an confessed sin like suicide. It is clear from the Scriptures that suicide is a sin because it is taking a life that does not belong to that person (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Some would use 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 to argue that a suicide is punished with eternal destruction, but that passage is talking about the church and a temporal ruin that comes to those who harm the church. Some people would say that someone who commits suicide proves that he or she was not a true believer. But the Bible evidences Christians are capable of all kinds of sins. If someone dies with unconfessed sin, there is comfort in the promise of 1 John 1:9 that God cleanses us not only from confessed sins, but from "all unrighteousness." This is a condition of fellowship with God, not salvation. Besides, all believers have some sins they are unaware of and therefore unconfessed. Romans 5:20 promises that God's grace always exceeds our sins, and that would include the terrible sin of suicide. This should not be an excuse to commit the act, but a reason to live and grow in that grace and serve God. #GraceNotes26#SuicideSalvation#GraceLifeMinistries#AbundantGrace

There is a sin that God does not forgive. Some call it the unpardonable sin. But Jesus describes it as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. In our previous discussion of Colossians 2:13-14, we saw that God forgives all our sins, even the most terrible sins we could commit or might commit in the future. So what does Jesus mean when He says in Matthew 12:31-32 that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven? There are four main views on this challenging passage.

1) Some say this pertains only to Jesus's time and could only be committed in His presence by those who ascribe His work to Satan.

2) Others say it is Israel's national rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. However, Jesus seems to apply this to individuals in verse 32.

3) Some think it refers to those who do not believe the gospel. Therefore, they cannot be forgiven.

4) It is a willful and slanderous rejection of the Holy Spirit's testimony about Christ. This comes from a hardened heart, which reveals itself in verbal blasphemy. Charlie prefers this view and explains why this makes the most sense. It can be committed today, but if someone is worried about committing it, that is a good indication they have not done it. Some people struggle with this passage, so share it and leave your comments. #GraceNotes16#Unpardonablesin#blasphemyoftheHolySpirit#GraceLifeMinistries

How far does God's forgiveness extend? Charlie will discuss how God dealt with our sins from His timeless perspective. Charlie looks closely at Colossians 2:13-14, which says that God has forgiven all our trespasses. Most know that His forgiveness would include past sins, but what about present and future sins? The work of Jesus Christ on the cross covers all our sins, and all means all. We must understand the difference between positional or judicial forgiveness and fellowship forgiveness. God's grace is that amazing--we cannot out-sin His grace, according to Romans 5:20. When we sin, 1 John 1:9 gives us a way to restore the fellowship lost. We have to look at Jesus' work on the cross from God's eternal perspective to understand that all our sins includes past, present, and future. Subscribe so that you won't miss the next episode on the one sin that Jesus said cannot be forgiven. #GraceNotes33#GraceLifeMinistries#Forgiveness

Can a person once saved lose their salvation? Is it true--once saved always saved? What does the Bible say? Charlie takes a deep dive into this controversial issue. Much of the world believes that a saved person can lose their salvation. Charlie offers twelve arguments from the Bible that support eternal security. Then he explains how believing you can lose your salvation creates problems. Some people point to Bible passages that seem to indicate a believer can lose salvation, but Charlie shows how to approach these passages. He also deals with common arguments used to say salvation can be lost. The most common of these is that teaching eternal security promotes or encourages sin. Charlie shows how this is a hollow argument. The importance of the believer's eternal security includes assurance of salvation that rests in God's faithfulness to His promises to glorify all those He justifies. Be sure to share this episode with the many people who need to hear this message. #GraceNotes24 #GraceLifeMinistries #EternalSecurity #AssuranceofSalvation

In this short episode, Charlie explains how the Simply by Grace podcast continues to be popular but now GraceLife is expanding to video format. You will be able to still listen via your favorite podcast service or visit the GraceLife Youtube channel to watch the podcast.  https://youtube.com/@GraceLifeOrg

On top of this, Charlie's popular GraceNotes will be the kickoff series, beginning with eternal security. GraceNotes are the most popular and most downloaded resource on our GraceLife.org website and the GraceLife app (GL Ministries). GraceNotes are two-page studies designed to be downloaded, copied, and handed out as a teaching tool. No special permission is needed! They are currently available in seven languages and with more on the way.

After beginning with the hot topic of eternal security, Charlie will continue with episodes grouped around assurance of salvation, the nature of faith, grace, repentance, the Judgment Seat of Christ, Rewards, Calvinism, Arminianism, Lordship Salvation, Sanctification issues, discipleship, and special studies on John, Romans, Hebrews, 1 John, Revelation, and problem passages.

These studies originated from the questions Charlie gets when he is teaching and preaching. Be sure to subscribe so you will be notified when the episodes are released. #SimplybyGrace #GraceNotes #FreeGrace

God is doing great things with His gospel of grace in the country pf Peru. Charlie talks to Pablo Cenep-Torres about he many facets of his busy ministry. Pablo is a missionary with Christian Missions in Many Lands (cmml.us). Discipled by Bert Elliot, brother of martyed missionary Jim Elliot, He went on to receive biblical training at New Brunswick Bible Institute, Washington Bible College, and Capital Bible Seminiary (in Maryland). Pablo is in Peru as a leader of his church, a trainer of other leaders, chuch planter and builder, and helps operate an orphanage. He is busy! But his ministry takes place in a country filled with crime and corruption, which makes it challenging. He describes some of the problems this presents. A strong Catholic theology of works and the strong influence of Calvinist makes his grace-oriented ministry all the more important. Charlie mentions how he was supposed to visit in January to speak at conferences, but was prevented by an illness. Listen to this servant of God and let the Lord touch your heart for this ministry in Peru. You can find out more about Pablo and his needs by going to https://www.cmml.us/m/282. Like, leave a conmment,, and share this podcast so this message will conitnue to spread. #graceforPeru #FreeGraacePeru #MissionsinPeru