The Waking up to Grace Podcast

092. Faith Through Identity in Christ

The episode explores a grace-centered view of Christianity focused on identity in Christ rather than fear, guilt, or performance. The speakers discuss how believers are loved and accepted by God as “new creations,” and argue that spiritual struggles often come from forgetting that identity. They emphasize renewing the mind, trusting God’s love, and living by faith instead of shame or self-condemnation. Episode Page: https://wakinguptograce.com/092-faith-through-identity-in-christ/ [https://wakinguptograce.com/092-faith-through-identity-in-christ/] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wakinguptograce]

091. Grace, Knowledge, and the Living Church

This episode explores the concept of authentic Christian community and the true meaning of the church. Lenny and Jack discuss how Christ is revealed and experienced within genuine community, emphasizing that the church is not a building or a program, but the fellowship of believers living out grace together. They highlight the importance of organic relationships over religious formalities and challenge the notion that spirituality is equated with education or knowledge alone. The conversation delves into the historical context of the early church, noting how early Christians often met as subgroups within synagogues and relied on Jewish scriptures for their understanding of Christ. While knowledge of scripture is valued as foundational, the discussion cautions against prideful knowledge that points to oneself rather than to grace and Christ. Instead, the context of the conversation calls for a humble pursuit of knowledge that deepens faith and community, guided by the Spirit and grounded in the new heart given by God. Episode Page: https://wakinguptograce.com/091-grace-knowledge-and-the-living-church/ [https://wakinguptograce.com/091-grace-knowledge-and-the-living-church/] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wakinguptograce]

090. Ending the "Sin, Repent, Repeat" Struggle

In this episode, the speakers reflect on their experiences within traditional church denominations and the eventual paradigm shift that led them away from legalism and toward an understanding of grace. The conversation centers on "institutional" Christianity, which they describe as a burdensome cycle of sin, repentance, and self-effort—a system that often leaves congregants feeling guilty, disconnected from the Gospel, and dependent on religious leadership. They contrast this with their discovery of the "simplicity of the Gospel," where they transitioned from trying to earn favor through religious performance to resting in the finished work of Jesus.  The group concludes by discussing the teachings of Peter, emphasizing that true Christian growth comes from focusing on Christ’s love and dependency on Him, rather than focusing on one's own failures. Episode Post: https://wakinguptograce.com/090-ending-the-sin-repent-repeat-struggle/ [https://wakinguptograce.com/090-ending-the-sin-repent-repeat-struggle/] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wakinguptograce]

089. Peter's Template for Grace Living (2 Peter 1:3-10)

This episode explores Peter's second epistle as a template for Christian living, emphasizing grace and faith as foundational gifts from God, not earned by personal merit. Peter teaches that believers have received "a faith of equal standing" through Christ's righteousness, and that grace and peace multiply through a growing knowledge of Jesus. The Christian life, according to Peter, is not about managing or focusing on sin, but about building upon faith with a sequence of values: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. Each quality builds on the previous, resulting in a fruitful, effective Christian life that reflects Christ's nature. Sin is to be put away and not dwelled upon; instead, believers are called to focus on the transformative power of the gospel and their identity in Christ. Peter's instructions align with Jesus' vine and branches analogy, highlighting dependency on Christ as the source of life and fruitfulness. The ultimate goal is inner transformation—living out the love and grace received from God, resulting in a life marked by growth, endurance, and genuine love for others. Blog Post: https://wakinguptograce.com/089-peters-template-for-grace-living-2-peter-1-3-10/ [https://wakinguptograce.com/089-peters-template-for-grace-living-2-peter-1-3-10/] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wakinguptograce]

088. What Does Divine Nature Mean? (2 Peter 1:3-4)

This episode explores the meaning of "divine nature" as described in 2 Peter 1:3-4. It explains that believers are granted faith as a gift, placing them on equal footing with the apostles, and that true godliness and spiritual growth come through deeper knowledge of Jesus and the gospel—not through outward works or religious effort. The "divine nature" means sharing in God's character, which is expressed through faith, forgiveness, and the transformative power of Christ within. The content warns against relying on behavior for assurance and highlights the importance of understanding forgiveness and living in the confidence that Christ's work is complete. Ultimately, partaking in the divine nature leads to a life marked by grace, peace, and spiritual fruit, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Blog Post: https://wakinguptograce.com/088-what-does-divine-nature-mean-2-peter-1-3-4/ [https://wakinguptograce.com/088-what-does-divine-nature-mean-2-peter-1-3-4/] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wakinguptograce]