PGH Gospel Podcast

6/20 – Impossible is Possible / Manifestation of Eternal Life – Tent 2025

After reading from Luke 18:18, Mr. Alcala's message focuses on the rich young ruler's question, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?"1. He explains that eternal life is not inherited or earned through good deeds or adherence to commandments, as it is something only God can give through being "born again." The message highlights that while salvation is impossible for humans to achieve on their own, it is possible with God through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for sins. Mr. Higgins reads from several verses in 1 John and discusses how the Lord Jesus, referred to as "eternal life" and the Son of God, was manifested, or appeared in the world. His appearance revealed God's profound love and grace, as He sent His only begotten Son to take away sins and destroy the works of the devil. This message emphasizes that eternal life is a person, Jesus, and it is a gift received by accepting Him, completely independent of human efforts, rituals, or religions.

6/19 – The Book of Life / Pharisee & Tax Collector – Tent 2025

Mr. Higgins reads from Luke 10:17-20 and focuses on the joy of having one's "names written in heaven" in God's "Book of Life" (also called "the Lamb's Book"), emphasizing that God alone does the writing, signifying indelible redemption through Christ's blood, bringing forgiveness and justification. He underscored that this eternal record provides present assurance and eternal security for all who trust Christ as their Savior. Based upon Luke 18:9-14, Mr. Alcala explains the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, contrasting the Pharisee's self-righteous prayer to himself with the tax collector's humble plea for mercy, "God, be merciful to me a sinner." He stresses that salvation is not earned by good works or self-justification, but is a gift of God's mercy to those who acknowledge their sinfulness and rely solely on Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross for forgiveness.

6/18 – Remember Lot’s Wife / Immeasurable Love of God – Tent 2025

After reading from Luke 17:28-32, Mr. Alcala centers on the biblical warning to "Remember Lot's wife," explaining that her looking back at Sodom symbolized a heart still attached to sin and worldly possessions, leading to her perishing despite starting to escape. He urges listeners not to be distracted or complacent, but to take the warning seriously and seek refuge in Christ, the only safe place from coming judgment. Mr. Higgins expounds on John 3:16, illustrating the "immeasurable love of God" by detailing its "length" (God seeking lost sinners until found), "depth" (Christ suffering infinite wrath for infinite sins), and "breadth" ("whosoever believes"). He declares that this love lifts believers beyond the blessings of Adam, Abraham, and even angels, making them children of God through Christ's sacrifice.

6/17 – The Great Turning / Glimpse of Eternity – Tent 2025

Mr. Higgins, drawing from Acts 26:12-18, focuses on Paul's commission to preach the gospel, which involves opening people's eyes, turning them from darkness to light, and from Satan's power to God. He emphasizes conversion as a memorable, pivotal experience of choosing Christ, leading to new life, forgiveness, and freedom. This is exemplified by Ruth's decision at a crossroads to abandon heathenism for truth and be brought into Christ's lineage. Mr. Alcala presents the account of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16:19-31, describing it as a unique glimpse into eternity that reveals two distinct destinies for souls after death. He highlights the rich man's three critical mistakes in torment: crying to the wrong person, at the wrong time (too late), and for the wrong solution, underscoring the urgent need to repent and trust in Christ for salvation in the present life.

6/16 – The Gospel Invitation / Sin & Salvation – Tent 2025

Mr. Alcala, drawing from Luke 14:16-24, begins by presenting God's invitation to salvation, likening it to a royal wedding where guests are freely invited because the price has been paid by the host, Jesus Christ. He highlights the common excuses people make to avoid accepting this invitation, such as being too busy or fearing social repercussions. He stresses that God has made "all things ready" through Christ's death on the cross, offering the "only way" to be saved. Mr. Higgins focuses on the difference between sin and salvation, emphasizing that the "Son of Man has not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." He illustrates sin as a destructive force that ruins potential, well-being, and lives, leading to despair and destruction in eternity. He then presents God's remedy for sin: the "precious blood of Christ." He details the "divine program to rescue" through Christ's sacrifice, stating that His blood can justify, forgive, bring peace, reconcile, purge conscience, and cleanse from all sin. Mr. Higgins repeatedly stresses that the cross is "basic, vital, decisive, or pivotal" to salvation, demonstrating God's wisdom, power, and love, and defeating the devil. He concludes by urging listeners to bow to the Savior and trust Him for peace and eternal life.