Marked by Grace

Is it a Lie to Sing a Hymn You Don't Believe?

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath Lambert unpacks the biblical command to sing (Colossians 3:16) and explains the difference between lying and simply being distracted, still learning, or growing in faith while singing. He shares personal, honest moments from worship at First Baptist Church and offers practical encouragement for singing with a thankful heart.0:00 – Introduction to Marked by Grace0:13 – This week's question: Is singing a hymn you don't believe a lie?1:27 – Starting with Scripture: Colossians 3:162:48 – How hymns function as teaching tools4:04 – Getting distracted during worship (and why that's not lying)5:47 – Final answer and practical application

Is it a Lie to Sing a Hymn You Don't Believe?

The Significance and Requirements of Fasting

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath Lambert answers a listener question in two parts: what is the significance of fasting, and are Christians required to do it? He explains that fasting means withholding food (or another good gift) in order to shift focus from the gift to the Giver. He then walks through what the New Testament actually teaches about fasting as a spiritual practice, showing that while fasting is assumed throughout Scripture, it is never commanded the way prayer is commanded.00:13 This week's topic: the significance and requirements of fasting01:23 What fasting actually means: withholding food to focus on the Giver02:21 Is fasting required of Christians?03:07 Matthew 6:16-18: Jesus teaches on fasting in the Sermon on the Mount04:14 The New Testament assumes fasting but never commands it05:12 Why the lack of a command gives Christians freedom06:37 Ephesians 6:18 and the command to pray at all times07:04 Why fasting pairs with prayer but is not required like prayer is

Responding to a Friend Who Cusses

What does the Bible say about cursing, and how should a Christian respond when a close friend uses foul language? In this episode, Pastor Heath Lambert tackles that exact question with practical wisdom rooted in Scripture. Whether the friend is a believer or not changes the approach, but one thing is certain: the conversation has to happen.0:17 - This week's question: How do I respond to a friend who cusses?1:07 - Is cussing a sin? What the Bible says about foul language1:16 - Ephesians 5:4 and the biblical standard for our speech1:38 - The Christian conversation about provocative language in Scripture4:46 - Practical ways to bring it up without damaging the friendship5:22 - Using questions instead of accusations to open the door6:50 - What to do in the worst-case scenario7:32 - Does it matter whether your friend is a Christian or not?7:53 - When a professing Christian continues in sin: testimony and accountability9:04 - Final thoughts: relationships require honest conversation

Should Christians Ban the Muslim Call to Prayer?

Should Christians support banning the Muslim call to prayer in American cities? Pastor Heath Lambert tackles this controversial question head-on, walking through the constitutional, theological, and practical objections before giving his own careful answer on Marked by Grace.0:13 – This week's question: Should Christians ban the Muslim call to prayer?0:51 – What is the Muslim call to prayer?2:11 – Why these words are blasphemy, not just disagreement4:48 – Why caution is needed on this issue5:49 – Objection 1: The constitutional (First Amendment) argument7:56 – Objection 2: The theological argument from religious liberty10:23 – Objection 3: The practical argument from reciprocity12:32 – Islam, secularism, and Christianity as competing worldviews14:01 – Conclusion: engaging wisely in the public square

America at 250

America turns 250 this July 4th -- and Christians have every reason to celebrate. In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath Lambert opens Scripture to show why gratitude for America is not naive patriotism, but a biblical response to God's good gifts. 0:35 - Why talk about patriotism on a theology podcast?1:56 - America is imperfect but still a good gift from God2:27 - James 1:17: Every good and perfect gift comes from God3:08 - Good gifts vs. perfect gifts -- what's the difference?4:08 - The near-impossible odds the colonists faced in 17766:47 - "If heaven had not something great in store for America..." -- Lieutenant Shaw7:40 - God was securing blessings for you before you were ever born8:14 - Closing: Happy Independence Day

Blurred Lines Between Elders and Deacons

What is the difference between an elder and a deacon? Can a church function with just one pastor, or does the Bible require a plurality of elders? In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath Lambert tackles one of the most common points of confusion in church polity: the blurred lines between elders, pastors, and deacons.0:13 - The question: confusion over elders and deacons1:38 - The two offices ordained in the New Testament2:43 - What deacons do: servants of the congregation's practical needs3:18 - What elders/pastors do: servants of the Word and leaders of the church4:19 - Where churches blur the lines between elders and deacons5:44 - Elder-led vs. pastor-led: why that question is trickier than it sounds7:18 - What the Bible says about plurality of elders8:16 - The role most people overlook: congregational authority9:18 - Matthew 18 and the congregation as the court of final appeal10:23 - How faithful churches apply these principles differently12:32 - The sufficiency of Scripture and freedom within firm biblical lines

Problems Too Big for Biblical Counseling?

Is any problem too big for biblical counseling? Pastor Heath Lambert tackles one of the most important questions in Christian ministry -- and his answer might surprise you. Drawing on 2 Timothy 3:16-17, he explains why no problem is beyond the reach of God's Word while also making a crucial distinction that every counselor and counselee needs to hear.0:13 - The Question: Are There Problems Too Big for Biblical Counseling?2:15 - First Answer: No -- Here Is Why4:43 - No Problem Is Too Big for God5:32 - What 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Says About Scripture and Sufficiency6:34 - Why This Question Only Exists in the Modern Era7:16 - Second Answer: The Distinction That Might Surprise You7:31 - Sufficient Resources vs. Sufficient Skill7:54 - The Thanksgiving Dinner Illustration10:00 - The Call to Grow in Biblical Counseling Skill

Can Satan Speak to the Minds of Christians?

Can Satan directly speak to the minds of believers? This is one of the most urgent questions Christians wrestle with, and in this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath Lambert walks through what the Bible actually teaches about the devil's access to the hearts and minds of those who belong to Christ. If you've ever wondered whether that dark or destructive thought came from Satan himself, this episode is for you.0:00 - Introduction0:14 - The question: Can Satan speak to the minds of Christians?1:27 - Job 1: Satan before God2:26 - Matthew 4: Satan making arguments to Jesus in the wilderness2:48 - John 13:27: Satan entering Judas3:43 - The deeper question: Can Satan work internally in believers?4:08 - 1 John 4:4: He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world4:39 - 1 Peter 5:8: Be on guard - the devil is a roaring lion5:05 - 2 Corinthians 11:14: Satan disguises himself as an angel of light5:44 - What the devil can and cannot do to Christians6:16 - Principalities, powers, and the spirit of the age6:36 - Conclusion: The Holy Spirit's protection and illuminationLike this episode? Subscribe for more biblical teaching from Marked by Grace. Share your thoughts in the comments below about how understanding the church as people rather than a place changes your perspective.

Is Family or Ministry First?

Does family come before ministry? The Bible gives a clear and direct answer — and every pastor, church leader, or ministry spouse needs to hear it. In this episode of Marked by Grace, Heath Lambert walks through 1 Timothy 3 and Matthew 10:37 to answer one of the most common tensions in ministry life: when your family needs you, and your congregation needs you at the same time, who wins?0:00 — Introduction: What comes first, family or ministry?0:49 — The Bible has a clear answer1:51 — 1 Timothy 3:2 — Marriage as a requirement for pastoral ministry2:18 — 1 Timothy 3:4-5 — Managing your household well2:41 — Why family priorities qualify (or disqualify) a minister3:42 — An important distinction: ministry is not the same as Jesus4:08 — Matthew 10:37 — Jesus comes before family4:55 — Ministry faithfulness vs. discipleship with Jesus5:03 — How following Jesus puts your priorities in orderLike this episode? Subscribe for more biblical teaching from Marked by Grace. Share your thoughts in the comments below about how understanding the church as people rather than a place changes your perspective.