Cast it Anyway - Discovering Grace Through Scripture, Baptist Doctrine, and the Church Family

In this episode, we explore what Scripture and Baptist doctrine reveal about grace, forgiveness, and our identity in Christ. As Bernie and I have been studying in this season, we’ve discovered that starting again isn’t just possible—it’s part of God’s design.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532509

Transcript

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Fallo. Welcome to From the Well to the World. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. That's Romans 8:1. Bernie and I recently joined a Baptist church here in Lubbock, First Baptist, Lubbock. And in this season, we have been intentionally studying Baptist doctrine together. And as I've leaned into that, especially as a doctoral student in biblical studies at a Baptist university, I found something that deeply encouraged my heart, something I am just truly thankful for. As I studied the doctrine, this is what I found. Baptist theology at its core supports the idea that we can begin again without shame. It may not use those exact words, but the truth is woven throughout everything Baptists believe. Salvation by grace through faith reminds us that we are not defined by our past or our failures. The priesthood of all believers tells us we can come directly to God boldly, immediately, and without waiting. Soul competency affirms we are personally responsible before God, not trapped by the judgments or shame imposed by others. And sanctification reminds us that growth is ongoing, that stumbling is not the end of the story. And I found myself thinking, this is the rhythm of grace. And then as a Bible student, I had to ask, well, what does the Bible actually say about starting again without shame? And here is what I found in Scripture. Shame entered the story in the garden. When Adam and Eve sinned, they didn't just feel guilty, they hid. Shame told them, this is who you are now. It shifted identity. But the gospel tells a different story. Jesus constantly met people in their shame and restored them. He did not define them by their failure, he redefined them through his grace. In John 8, when the woman was brought before him, Jesus had every right to condemn her, but instead he released her not only from her accusers, but from shame itself. And Scripture reminds us if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us. That's 1 John 1 9. Here's Psalms 103, verse 12. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions. And then also 2 Corinthians 5 17. If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The Bible shows us something about so powerful. Shame may enter through sin, but it is broken through the finished work of Jesus Christ. And when Jesus said it is finished, he wasn't just paying for sin. He was breaking the power of shame over identity. So when we compare what I found in Baptist doctrine with what I found in Scripture, they align beautifully. Doctrine says you can come boldly. And Scripture says there is no condemnation. Doctrine says you have direct access to God. And Scripture says you are cleansed and made new. Doctrine says growth is ongoing. And Scripture says grace is sufficient. And here is what I am most thankful for. Starting again is not an exception in the Christian life. It is the expectation of grace. But I want to say this especially from my heart. This is also why part of being in a church family matters so very much because yes, we can come to God individually, and that is so beautiful. But we were never meant to walk this out alone. We need a place where grace is spoken out loud. Truth is lived in community, and restoration is witnessed, and people remind us who we are when we forget. The church becomes a living testimony that starting again is possible, not just once, but daily. In our home, in our church, and through the house of prayer, this is what Bernie and I are learning to live. Daily priesthood means daily renewal. That's part of the Baptist doctrine. And daily renewal means we walk forward without shame. Shall we pray? Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of grace that allows us to begin again. Thank you that in Christ we are not defined by our failures, our past, or our shame. Lord, teach us to come boldly to you, not hiding, not hesitating, but confident in your mercy. Help us to receive your forgiveness fully and to walk in the new identity you have given us. Strengthen us through your spirit to keep growing, keep turning, and keep trusting you. And Lord, thank you for the gift of the church for brothers and sisters who remind us of truth, who walk with us, and who point us back to you. Let our lives reflect the rhythm of grace again and again. And we ask that those that do not have a church home that they they turn to a church for sisterhood and brotherhood and just for a family so they can experience the love of Jesus Christ. In your precious name we pray. Amen. Shalom.