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Jace
I am unashamed. What about you?
Phil
Welcome back to Unashamed. Jace has a pillow behind this chair. Even having some back issues yet. He was literally laid out Zach in the floor when I walked in a minute ago. In between our recordings today and things.
Zach
Like an old man, I thought finally.
Phil
That the fire that's behind Jace was popping and crackling like a fire does, you know, with real wood. And then I realized it was Jace's back that was doing all the popping and cracking.
Jace
I was oblivious that y' all were watching me in my vulnerable state. I was on this carpet trying to get my back to stop hurting. But there was a song in my head, which is why that I was oblivious to Yalls presence. Yeah. And do you want to know what song it was?
Phil
Of course.
Jace
I can't drive 55, so that's my age if you don't get the connection because my back is hurting. So I got a wobbly wheel and I would say, oh, there's some story behind it. Nope. Sitting on a couch or swing preparing.
Zach
Come on.
Phil
Well, we did one thing you may have done, Chase, because I thought I might have done it yesterday too. Is and in the last podcast we talked about Jay's preaching on Mother's Day, but we also went to visit mom, of course, on Mother's Day because she and dad are living together. And so you kind of got to help mom and dad around. And that's true. So you probably did because I. So we kind of did shift work yesterday because Jason, Missy. Missy went early. Jace came after his sermon. I think Jeff and Jess popped in.
Jace
There they Were there when I got there. I think Missy was there. Missy.
Zach
Everybody showed up.
Phil
Well, and then we came late. We did the late shift, which is always.
Zach
Y' all brought the hamburgers.
Phil
We brought hamburgers for dinner, and Missy had cooked for lunch. So they ate well yesterday day.
Jace
They ate well.
Phil
And this. I was. There's a gentleman. You know, in this facility, the boundaries of personal space aren't always. People don't always recognize those. And so. And including mom and dad, because one time a few weeks ago, dad rolled mom into someone else's room and then got in their bed and went to sleep. They weren't in the room. And so you had these issues happen in this unit. And so this. This gentleman, who we've met several times, and he's a nice enough guy, but he likes to just every once in a while wander through and see what's happening, because he hears us talking. And so he comes in. Mom looks at me and kind of rolls her eyes, and I said, hey, there, buddy. He said, what are y' all doing? And mom said, we're having a party. It's Mother's Day. And he said, well, that's not fair. And she said, life's not fair, sir. And then he just meandered his way on through, you know, And I just. I guess mom just tells it like it is.
Jace
Yeah, that's true.
Phil
But a lot of you sent notes about mom and. Which I appreciate, and she's. She was doing great yesterday. Dad was kind of in and out, but. But mom was doing great.
Jace
Well, she's doing better. And I actually had a story that I did not share in the sermon about my mom. I did share a couple funny stories, which we talked about that on the last podcast, and we won't get into it again, but I had one at the end because it was a touching story that happened while they're here. And it's a great facility. It's like little. Little cabins and homes, you know?
Phil
Yeah. They're like little apartments. It's like a little. It feels like a little apartment complex. It's just all in one big area.
Jace
Yeah. And so. And they. They. They've kind of realized now at this point, they need it, and so. But my dad's not been doing well at all, and just physically and mentally. But even yesterday, you know, because you're having. He's not real mobile. And so I was moving him around at his request, you know, and. And even though he doesn't weigh, you know, what he once did, I mean, it's pretty hard to.
Phil
Because he can't really help you.
Jace
Yeah, he can't help you. And, and it's sad. And we get it, us telling y' all we're so close to it, that we're, it's just kind of the new normal.
Phil
And we realize this is the only information you guys get about him. And I know you pray for him and pray for us. And I just want to say thank you again because I know how much mom and dad mean to you guys. So thank you.
Jace
Yeah. And he's mostly out of it, but, you know, there was a five minute period I was telling, telling you Al about that. It was really, it felt supernatural because he's been struggling so much, but he just kind of perked up there. And we had a little five minute conversation that ended in him sneezing, which for some reason he thought was hilarious. And it became contagious because it was the first time in quite a while that I've seen him smile and laugh. So it was really nice and you appreciate that. And we're not, you know, denying God's providence. I mean, I preached about Abraham and Sarah having a kid when they were 190. So anything God wants to do, we're ready. But you know, you actually just live in a world where you're seeing what's happening and it's just. He's just not doing real well. I just think he's, you know, getting ready for the journey to the other side. But we're convinced that we're all going to be. I mean, God's promise is forever.
Phil
And this thing about us talking about a lot when heaven comes to earth and once you now are in that lifestyle of living Christ on earth with the Holy Spirit living inside of you is. Eternity has already begun for us. I mean, that's our mindset. So this transition over to wait for the resurrection is just part of that process. So, you know, it doesn't mean you don't grieve. I mean, you know, Zach, your dad came down last week and with his wife Ann and visited and you know, just that first time you see him, it's emotional, but at the same time, we all have the same mindset. We understand about eternity and that begins now. You know the idea. So we're just transitioning. So that's all part of it. So Jace didn't mention it because he's, he's talked about on the podcast, but I will mention it briefly that he told the story of me getting a Wonder Woman poster because I was a huge Wonder Woman fan.
Jace
That was my humor part of this.
Phil
It was really good. And that when I was in middle school, and so Jace was pretty young. And mom, you know, we've said this before, she went in and painted some pants on her because those bloomers, those blue bloomers with the white stars were a little much for Mom.
Jace
But, Al, she blacked out the cleavage and.
Phil
The cleavage. Yeah.
Jace
And I was a young man, but I thought, well, man, you took out the best part. And I didn't even know why at that age, but I thought.
Phil
I mean, you were only seven or eight. I was, like, about 12. So I understood fully why that was the best part. And so Jay's told that to set up. And he's told this before, too, on the podcast, that he bought a bumper sticker with his own money. Like, I did my poster that said, I'm surrounded by idiots. And it was. You know, and he put it on his wall. Mom just ripped it off and threw.
Jace
It away and got angry. It was one of the more angrier moments of our childhood, which. And my point was I had justified that by thinking, well, you didn't rip down Al's Wonder Woman poster, because the.
Phil
Bumper sticker, I wish she would have just marked out idiots and put in something.
Jace
And this happened years later. But I went back to that thinking, well, you set the precedent. I mean, is he your favorite? You know, and he's like, of course. Because she was so, so angry about that. Which now I understand it. That. And I made the point in the sermon, which is, you know, we're a family, and I'm trying to teach you how to be respectful.
Phil
So it so encapsulates Jason, Mom's relationship, really, the whole time, because that just a few years ago, Jay said something. Mom said something about them not getting along when Jace was young. And Jay said, well, Gary, you just didn't get any of my jokes. That's why we didn't get along. You weren't getting my humor. And it was so funny. It was like. But that's. I. I totally get that bumper sticker. From Jason's perspective, he was surrounded by idiots. But for mom, that was like, no, sir, no how. We're not doing that. We can. We can fix Wonder Woman. We can't fix that.
Jace
To finish my thought earlier, so I was going to tell a story at the end. Al, you're a sermon prep guy.
Phil
Yep.
Jace
Oh. And it's. It was very. It kind of tickled the emotional. Because it's Mother's Day, and I did this whole sermon about Family. So I had this as the closing story.
Phil
You bumped it.
Jace
I bumped it because when I saw it, I got a little, you know how you feel like, oh, you get the little lumpy. I said, nope, I don't have time for this. You know, I just couldn't do it because I thought I've gone 32 minutes. And not that this was. It's only a minute story, but I thought based on everything I just said, because you know how it is, you're. This is. I mean, I'm up there for the Lord God above. That's who I'm representing. And I have to tell myself that because at heart, somebody sent me an interesting message on my phone because they know my background, that I was shy and this is not. It was actually Robert Abels and. And this is all the spirit of the Lord. So I have to tell myself constantly, you know, But I say it in my own personal space to God. In fact, when I walked out from the sermon, I actually said, I probably shouldn't have said this. Well, I realize how this looks. I'm talking to myself walking across the parking lot. But I was talking to the Lord God Almighty. I was like, I shouldn't have said that, Lord. I'm sorry. Cause one time I said something and I said that might be controversial. And I got to thinking about that when I walked out. I thought, well, why would I say that? Sometimes something. Because it was biblical what I said. And when you draw it to the.
Phil
Point, sometimes you can make it controversial.
Jace
Yeah. By saying that. And I thought, you know, I shouldn't have said that, Lord. It's your truth. And I was speaking to the Lord. What's funny is there was a guy looking at me because I just spoken. And I know he was thinking, this guy will come out talking to himself after that, but I was talking to the Lord.
Phil
He probably said he's just like his uncle. Si. That's what he said.
Jace
I was talking to the Lord, sir.
Zach
July 4th is coming up pretty soon. I don't know about you guys, but Black Mountain, where I live turns into a all out America festival on the 4th of July. I guess I do know about where you guys live. You guys celebrate, right?
Jace
Oh, yeah, yeah.
Zach
Well, you know who else celebrates is Pure Talk, which is my wireless company. They are a veteran led company and they believe that every man and woman who's faithfully served this country deserves to proudly fly an American flag that was actually made in America. And that's why PureTalk is on a mission to give an allegiance flag which is the highest quality American flag. You can get to 1,000 US veterans just in time for the patriotic holidays. And again, we got fourth of July coming up. We got Flag Day, we got the U.S. army birthday coming up, National PTSD Awareness Day. That's all right around the corner. Supporting this great cause is so easy, guys. Just switch your cell phone service to Pure Talk this month and a portion of every sale will go to providing these high quality flags to deserving veterans. And with plans of just $25 a month for unlimited talk. I mean, that's crazy. It's super cheap. You get unlimited talk, text and plenty of data. And you can enjoy America's most dependable 5G network while cutting your cell phone bill in half. And remember that the average family saves over a thousand dollars a year. This is real money back in your pocket. I'm a Pure Talk customer. I can tell you the coverage is second to none. And the switch is easy. I know because I've done it. Pure Talk is committed to helping our veterans. They're raising money to support veteran learning trades after these guys get out of active duty. They're helping to eliminate veteran debt, and they're raising money to end veteran suicide. So just go to puretalk.comunashamed to switch hassle free in as little as 10 minutes. Again, that's puretalk.comunashamed to support veterans and to switch to America's wireless company, Pure Talk.
Jace
Anyway, the story I was going to tell about a week ago, and I think I can do it in this setting without being emotional, but I had all that holy spirit running through me and energy and talking about family. And I told the bad, you know, like, every family has the good bad and the ugly.
Phil
Yeah.
Jace
And. But about a week ago, you know, I walked into where my parents are and they were. There's a little common area, and then they have their own little living area. And then they have their rooms, which they turn one of their rooms into a living room. I mean, they look, they're doing pretty good. And Kay says that she's like, it's so awesome that they built this place for us.
Phil
When she told me yesterday, she said, you know, Al, what I really like about our setup is we're just, we can like sit in here and visit in our office. She said, her office? And then we can sleep next door. And I said, mom, that's amazing. That's really good.
Jace
So anyway, I walked in and she said, hurry, come with me. I got to show you something. And I was. Now look, when My parents mental condition and how old they are when they say, come here, I want to show you something that can be dangerous. And so I was nervous. Of course she couldn't move. I was like, well, let me get you a wheelchair. And so I wheeled her down and we go into their little personal living quarter. And I was nervous about it because I thought, what is she fixed to show me? And so she, she said, stop right here. And so she was looking out the window and I thought, oh, she's going to show me something outside. I'm looking. She said, now you see that little rose? This, these little rose bushes, she called them rose bushes. Just looked like a bowl that flowers. Yeah, that one of her. We have a group called the Kingdom Moms and they visit them every night. I think there's 14 women and cook a meal. And we do a lot of our visiting with those people. And they're just. There are 14 women that my mom had tremendous influence on.
Phil
Yeah, these are all ones that she mentored. And now they get a chance to serve her.
Jace
Yeah. And they're fantastic. So they, One of them had made this little flower arrangement that's right after. Right outside the window.
Phil
Well, when she said, mom told me yesterday she bought at Walmart a week ago.
Jace
So she said, she said, just wait for it. I'm not kidding. When she said, wait for it, this bird with a spider in its beak descended on the little bowl of flowers. It was like, it got the memo that she was fixing to show me. And it was like, cue the bird. Bird comes spider. She said she's feeding her babies. And so the bird, you know, went down and we couldn't see the babies under all the, all the brush, but it like disappeared. Well then it popped back out and then took off again. And she's like, she'll be right back. Well, the bird flew 100 yards and lit on the fence that divides the property. And I was thinking to myself, that bird ain't coming back anytime soon. It wasn't. It kind of disappeared on the other side, like fluttered down. It wasn't 10 seconds. She's like, there he is. Or she said, there he is. But I said, there she is. She's like, well, you know what I meant. And it had a cricket in its mouth. I thought, what a, what a hunter this thing is. I mean, it just like, you want food out of my way. And she said, so that ought to bring back some memories. But it kind of touched me in the moment because I thought she was.
Zach
That mama bird that fed you yeah, she had this. Where your food came. Came from, son.
Jace
Yeah, she had this illustration in her mind. She had obviously been thinking about it because as soon as I walked in, she was like, come here, I need to show you something. And then it just queued up on cue in time. And I thought. I actually think that that was a very God led encounter that I just.
Phil
That's so funny because we. I had a similar experience yesterday being there because we were looking out the window and the. And the mama bird was doing the same thing and she would bring in something and then. And also papa bird came by for a visit too, and he got down in there with the. But it was really interesting because I just learned this by watching some video someone sent me that when these little birds, they poop, they poop in a little bitty. It's almost like a little sack so that the mom can take it away. And I'd never seen that in the wild until yesterday. She brought in food, she went in, she fed them, and then she took off with a little white sack, which was, you know, the refuse from the little baby birds. So once again, mom, not only do they help feed you, but they help make sure you're clean as well.
Jace
They change you as well.
Zach
Speaking of taking care of moms here, we're going to break the fourth wall here. I'm probably going to have to leave in about 10 minutes because my wife, who's the mother of my children, may have appendicitis. So I'm going to. I got to take her to get a.
Jace
A what?
Zach
They do a CAT scan now?
Phil
You have. They do. Actually. She. She sent me a text that while we were recording, said, what was your appendix pain like? Because my appendix blew up a few years ago. And I told her what it was like, and she said, I may have to go in.
Jace
If you leave. We'll. We'll carry on.
Zach
Y' all carry. I'm going to leave in 10 minutes whenever she gets dropped off up here.
Jace
And then that's fine.
Phil
Well, you want to make sure you get that taken care of because what you don't want it to happen is rupture, because then you got all kinds of long term issues, which is what I have.
Jace
So I told that story because I wrote down and maybe it was the Holy Spirit. So I was going to say, you know, then I was going to address, because I knew my mom was watching because Missy was with her and was streaming it. And I was going to say thank you, you know, to my ma. I was going to Be personal. But that's why I got a little choked up, because I knew I had to get to that. And I was going to say thank you for being God's glue and propulsion to help us fly.
Phil
Yeah.
Jace
And so that was. And then I was going to make a comment about that's. You know, she. She did that based on the spirit of God and her following Jesus. She was trying to get that into us at an. So that was. That was kind of the idea about it, but I wanted to share it. And since I. I was going to save it for the sermon, but I just thought, I'm going to be a basket case if I do that. There was just. That was too raw in the moment.
Phil
But, you know, it's funny, James, because we were at least. And I were speaking somewhere recently, and sometimes, depending on how much time we have with an audience, and we were doing a full marriage event. So we had a lot of time, like three different segments of time. And so sometimes we'll tell Phyllis's story and how she came into our lives and, you know, the bonding that happens and everything that goes with that. And I was telling the story about the first time that Phyllis and Tony got to speak with Lisa and I had an event last year in Indiana, and she was. She was sharing, like. I mean, she and I have talked a lot, but she was sharing some stuff I had never heard because, you know, we still. We're learning 40 of history from this woman who's our sister, and she was in this moment of us doing at this marriage event she was speaking at. She talked about some things that had happened in her young life that I did not know about. And they really hit me strong. And so I just didn't think about it. I just kind of went into it, you know, in front of this audience, talking about it. And, I mean, it hit me hard. And I just couldn't hardly, like, get myself back. So. I totally get what you're saying. And sometimes you just know, like, as soon as you get into your.
Jace
Oh, yeah. I'm like, no, I mean, what. Not gonna happen today.
Phil
Once I've stepped into it, it's here where, you know, what am I gonna do? Well.
Jace
Cause I really just thought if I start this, I don't. I don't think I can get through it. And I didn't want it to be that awkward. But I wanted to share that because my whole point is, I love it. You know, it does make you thankful of what the Lord did in destroying this enemy. He views death as an Enemy. He says that in 1 Corinthians 15, he says the last enemy to be destroyed is death. Where is that in 1 Corinthians 15 when he hands over the kingdom to the Father. Let's get the exact verse on that because I think we tend to always think, well, the enemy, we have an.
Phil
Enemy is that the death has been swallowed up.
Jace
Is it 54, 15, 26.
Phil
Okay, because it says it again at the end too.
Jace
Yeah, it says, you know, in verse 22 it says, for as in Adam, all die ever since Adam and Eve. And you remember the conversation, the Evil one who is also an enemy. But what is he known for? Being the ruler of the realm of the dead. Because that was his whole plan. Once he fell from his role and didn't image God. Well, what is he going to do? He's going to destroy God's plan. And I believe you can make a case from scripture is that's why the Evil one and all his entourage are doing this. They're trying to delay the plan of God because the longer they delay, the more they can exist because they're ultimately going to be destroyed. And I think it's interesting that that is one enemy, but the other. We don't look at death as an enemy because it says in 23 of 15, but each in his own turn, Christ, the first fruits. Then when he comes those who belong to him. Well, there we are. Then the end will come when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. There is that reference to the Evil one in his entourage. But then watch where he goes, for he must reign until he has put all his enemies. I thought that was all of his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. Death itself is then destroyed.
Phil
Right?
Jace
Which is is kind of obvious, but we don't think about it because we're going to live forever.
Phil
So one of our favorite partners is Preborn Ministries. And you know, they obviously deal with a lot of moms and unplanned pregnancies. And Zach, it reminded me, you and Jill came to our house a few months back and you had one of the most beautiful four year old precious gifts that God could give anyone. And every time I see your daughter, I think about this great ministry because someone chose life and then you guys get the benefit of raising her up to live and to thrive. What a blessing, huh?
Zach
The greatest blessing we've ever received is honestly getting that little girl.
Phil
And so that's part of the beauty of this ministry. And walking alongside. Because when a mother with an unplanned pregnancy is deciding on the future of, of her unborn child, it's overwhelming. She's not sure what she's supposed to do. She's in a tough situation. She wants to make the right choice. And that's where preborn comes in. They love these women. They empower these women with the choice of life and it becomes an eternal moment. They told us about this girl, Briella, who was ready to take the abortion pill and end her pregnancy. But when the abortion pill never came, she decided to go to the pregnancy clinic. After receiving a free ultrasound provided by preborn, her eternal moment happened. Not only did her baby wave, but then she realized this was the baby boy that she prayed for. What an eternal moment. We're asking you to join this fantastic ministry. When you support preborn, you're supporting pro life clinics nationwide with free ultrasounds to help empower a mother to choose life. Your tax deductible donation of $28 monthly is reaching eternity. To get involved, simply dial £250 and say the keyword baby. That's £250, baby. Or you can visit preborn.comunashamed. that's preborn.comunashamed.
Jace
Some people say, well, you know what's going to happen then? What's to cause this from all happening again? Because he will destroy death itself.
Phil
Which is kind of the picture he paints. Is it in Romans 5 where he gives you the two pictures of the two men, Adam and Christ? Yeah, same exact line of thinking. I mean, you've got death that comes through one because of sin, and those are combined together. But then you have life that comes through the other that then defeats death, which is the whole concept.
Jace
Well, and the only difference is some is when Adam, they're all going to die. But in Christ, it says he died for everyone. 2 Corinthians 5, which is a very interesting verse, says, when he died, therefore all died. It was then made available to all. I don't know how I know there are some religious groups that have trouble with that, but that's what it says. But it doesn't mean that you're gonna surrender to the Lord.
Phil
Right.
Jace
Which just seems like a no brainer.
Phil
Right?
Jace
I mean, there's a way not to die. Are you in? It's through Jesus. And people say, nope, I'm gonna take my chances. That's not it. That, that's not. That's not a good way.
Phil
I think that's not a good strategy.
Jace
Yeah.
Phil
So I agree.
Jace
So to segue into John, I guess we can just go on without that. I think he is officially taking his lawyer.
Phil
He's officially taking his wife, which. Let's say a quick prayer for that while we're here, Father, just want to stop. And as we always do, we want to keep the communication lines open with you praying for Jill today. Know she's having some pain. If it is some sort of appendix issue, Father, just pray they'll identify. They can deal with that quickly. If it's something else, Father, just bring a relief. Be with Zach. And when Mama Bear is having trouble, the whole family's having trouble. So let's bless them in a special way. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
Jace
Amen. And I know we're going to move to John and we're done with my sermon, but one point I did not make. Since you said that prayer, I feel led to do this. One of the things that God gives his family from. And I made this point ad nauseam, but use it. You know, the Father is for us. Romans 8, God is for us. If God is for us, who can be against us? And in love. He started this whole thing. And based on what we read in Ephesians 3, when Paul said, for this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom the whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. And there's a lot about prayer in Ephesians, but it's either Paul praying or when he gets to chapter six. I mean, we have this armor of God and he keeps bringing up prayer. He's like verse 18, Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying. Verse 19, pray also for me. And I had two verses that I didn't read, but it was based on the point that in Christ is where God and humans meet. Heaven and earth coming together, being connected. Jesus in heaven representing us. We're representing him because he's given us his spirit. But there's also a perspective of that about the Father, because in Ephesians 2:18, and I want to read this because what you just did in prayer is based on that fact. What I just read, it says for those for through him we both talking about Jews and Gentiles coming together as a new people. We both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Then he says in 3:12, right before he literally prays, that I'm going to read that. But in 3:12, he says, I ask you now, this is the. The next mystery Talking about the Church is going to make known to the heavenly realms what God has done and his wisdom, which he accomplished in Christ Jesus. That's verse 11. So then verse 12, it says in Christ, in Him, and through faith in him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I mean, it's something I didn't notice when we studied Ephesians about. We talk about in Christ when we talk about he's given us, but he's also addressing God being for you. And now you have access through Jesus humbling himself and through the Spirit, humbling himself as a Spirit, pointing and teaching about Jesus while he's in your literal body. And Romans 5 echoes that.
Phil
I turned over to Romans 5 because it says at the beginning, because I mentioned later about Adam and Christ. But in the first part of Romans 5, we have been justified through faith. We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And he talks about all the things you build into. And then it made me think, Jace later and I mentioned this a lot when it comes to prayer, because I agree with you 100%. Because you think about it, you talked about sin in relationship to death. But you know, when Smith taught us about this condition we have, he added a third one in there which, which is still very relevant until. Until the final resurrection. And that's weakness, because we're not. We're not, you know, we still have moments. Right. Well, that's, you know, Paul deals with that in Romans 8:26, when he says, which is a great. Romans 8 is a great conqueror text. But he says in the same way the Spirit helps us in our weakness, we do not know what we ought to pray for. But the Spirit himself intercedes with groans and words that cannot be expressed. And he searches our hearts because he knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And so I like that idea that even in weakness, when we're unsure about things, we still have confidence because of that access that comes about by the results of the Holy Spirit. So it's not only sin and death, but also in weakness, all those. The Deity itself himself is helping us through that process.
Jace
Yeah, and you declaring that through prayer. That's why he didn't just say pray, which he did many times when he was talking about the armor of God, he went through each aspect of the armor. But when he got to pray Praying, he said it multiple times. And he had showed you examples of it when he said early on in chapter one, where he prayed that you would know him better, which is how God revealed himself in Jesus. So that's part of it. But then when he prayed in that, I mean, it's one of the greatest prayers in the bible. In verse 16, he says, I pray of chapter three. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love. Well, there's going back to the Father. It goes back to Ephesians 1:4. In love, he predestined us because a lot of people, they argue about what predestination means. And I'm like, and that's fine. Which I believe it's God's plan in Christ, which I believe clearly preached on. But I'm like, wherever you start, the root of it is love. It's the Father's love. And so then it says that they may have power together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. He wouldn't write that if God wasn't for you.
Phil
That's right.
Jace
Well, that's why I think it's awesome that your immediate response was, well, let's pray about this.
Phil
Exactly. You know, because you're unsure and you don't know. And that's when you need to understand God. It's interesting. There was a lady yesterday at when we met together that came and told me that she had been to visit dad since the last time I had seen her because she didn't live here anymore, but she was in town and she said, you know, I prayed over your dad. And when she said, and Mom. But she said, when I did, he. He grabbed my hand and he said. And he said something about God she couldn't exactly understand. And I thought, well, you know, that's weird because from time to time I will pray over dad as well. And he'll usually pat me on the hand and say, you, you did good. You did good. And it's interesting, even when your mind is broken, our physical bodies, which includes our mind, this Holy Spirit of God is still living in you. And so it is interesting, even in Dad's case, with dealing with what he deals with, that somehow through the Holy Spirit, those Moments of prayer. He has an understanding of a spiritual connection. Even though his mind is broken, it doesn't work the way it used to work. And I always think, what a beautiful thing to think that the Holy Spirit can carry us not just through cancer, through heart failure or whatever, but even through the losing of our mind. The Holy Spirit is still there. He's still protecting you. He's still guiding you. He's still counseling you. And even though you're in a weakened state, because of whatever reason, the Holy Spirit is still there, communicating with the Almighty. I mean, it's a really comforting picture when you think about it and how he works.
Jace
No, I agree. That made me think, because we were talking about the resurrection earlier and ending death itself. You know, Romans 8 is. I mean, it's got to be top five chapters that we're going with. If you could only have five.
Phil
But something just to encourage me. Yeah.
Jace
Yeah.
Phil
So, Jason, I kind of came up with a realization when I got to be about 59 and I was about 60 or more pounds overweight, that it might be time to lose some weight.
Jace
Well, we're all glad you did. You're looking to be half the man you once was.
Phil
And when I turned 60, I finally found the people that could help me, and it's called PhD weight loss. And in all seriousness, I mean, I know a lot of you folks out there have been struggling with weight, like me. You put it on, you take it off, you got this diet, you got that diet. This one has worked fantastic, and I believe it's one that can help me for the rest of my life. Dr. Ashley Lucas is the founder of PhD Weight Loss, and she has a PhD in sports nutrition as well as chronic disease. And I think it's just put her in a unique position we had on the podcast. She talked about how she had the same struggles that we're having, and it's about burning fat, and it's about being able to get that fat off for the rest of your life. She's helped thousands of people, including me. The program teaches you what to eat, when to eat. It works on your relationship with food, and it shows you how to lose weight for life. If you're watching this on YouTube, here's a picture of me in all my glory at the beginning. And here I am now almost 60 pounds less. I'm working towards that. About about 57 pounds right now. 19 weeks on the program. Obviously, it works, and it works well. I'm not hungry. There's no gimmicks, side effects, shots all the things, pills. And one of the good things that's happened for me is I've been able to cut my medication in half for blood pressure. So that's, you know, hopefully by the time I get to the end of my journey, I'll be off my meds altogether, which is fantastic. Join me on the weight loss journey. You can schedule your one on one consultation today by calling 864-644-1900 or you can visit my PhD weight loss dot com. They provide great assistance and help throughout the whole process. Check them out. 864-644-1900. Tell them that I'll send you.
Jace
And I mean, he starts talking about we're children, you know, and, and it says in verse 17 of 8 it says, if we're children, then we're heirs. Heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Because, you know, life is filled with suffering. Even Paul writing his letter where he said all this about praying and praying and praying and then pray for me. He was chained in prison. And people read that and it was like, well, sounds like God's not listening. How come he's chained up? And I think these kind of verses make more sense in that moment that when you take on the powers that are against God, there will be resistance. I mean, there's different forms of suffering. God uses discipline. Hebrews 12 talks about that. But there's also the evil one trying to make you stop talking, which is why he would just kill people. He was a murderer from the beginning. That's why most of the guys in the New Testament were martyred, I think all but one. And so, I mean, life is going to be filled with suffering. But then he goes on to talk about our future glory and he gets into this, even talking about the creation itself, which, you know, now through the years, I've kind of changed my opinion on this because I'm kind of a new heaven and new Earth guy. I realize that phrase is used just as a new world. I mean, even talking about when the temple would be destroyed, he was like, there'll be a new heaven and new earth. Immediately everybody thinks, oh, this is at the end. But it was a new world for Israel. But I do think Revelation 21 and Romans 8 here. I mean, God is pretty good at creating things and he's really good at newly creating things, which is what he does.
Phil
Recreating.
Jace
Yeah, yeah. I mean, Ephesians 4 talks about that. He's talking about Put on the new self. So I'm at the point now where. And throw in the fact that Jesus post resurrection was eating fish with his disciples, I'm like, I'm more of a new heaven and new earth, whatever. It's going to be the place. I just think it's a. Whether you want to call it a new earth or renovated old one. It's not like that's a problem for him. I mean, he can create man from dirt and all the stars and all just at the snap of his fingers. But anyway, it talks about all that to get to my point. And it says in verse 23 of Romans 8, not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons. And then it's a curious phrase because it says the redemption of our bodies. And it's like, even though we're sons now because we have the Spirit, we've surrendered to Jesus. It's like that's the now not yet kind of picture of what these acts of the whole Bible narrative shows that at some point we're officially adopted because we now have a body that can't die. But what I find interesting is then he segues and uses the same terminology. So he says, verse 24, for in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all, because we don't have our new body yet.
Phil
Correct.
Jace
So then it says, in the same way, he makes a transition here, which I think is very important. The Spirit helps us in our weakness. Now that goes to what you said about the Father, back to Romans 5 and watch what he starts talking about. We do not know what we ought to pray for.
Phil
Right. Who hadn't struggled there? I'm not even sure which question to ask exactly.
Jace
But then it says, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us. And this is the phrase I wanted to get when you brought up dad with groans that words cannot express, we tend to think, well, evidently the Spirit is doing that. But even in our frailties and sufferings, and my dad sometimes groaning and you have no idea what he's talking about, you know that the Spirit is working in those moments.
Phil
Exactly.
Jace
And so what I really find fascinating is it goes on to 27 and says, and he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And all of this that I'm reading makes so much sense when you look at the Lord's Prayer, when Jesus said our Father and he prayed that heaven would come. The kingdom of heaven would come on earth as it is in heaven. What's he talking about? He hadn't even died, been buried and raised. But he was looking forward to this connection that human beings would have as being members of the kingdom, which I find fascinating. It's like the kingdom is all over the gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. And you know, Jesus himself in Mark's like, the kingdom is at hand. John the Baptist, the kingdom is at hand. And it goes through all these things about the kingdom won't come visibly. You won't look at a place and say here it is or there it is because the kingdom is within you. And that Mark 9:1 says, Some of you will not taste death before you see the kingdom. So it's all this language, but nobody ever says what it is.
Phil
Right.
Jace
Have you noticed that he didn't say, oh wait a minute, time out. And nobody asked him. It was like, what do you mean by that? And so I think the reason is this aspect of it is, yeah, I would define the kingdom as where the king is reigning. Well, he does it now because he gives you his spirit. He's reigning at the right hand of God on our behalf. And you see this connection on the planet because human beings now are representing him. But it's also going to happen later, which is what I just read above. I mean, he's the one that made this segue. It's like we grown amberly waiting to get our bodies. But we also. When is that? That's not yet, but we grow now. But you still are under that authority of God. And so I think it's a beautiful picture. And from there he launches into what Ephesians does, which I think this is an unusual take. But when you stop and think about it, you realize that God, what's he doing now? Well, one thing we know he's doing, I just read it. But then he says, and we know which this is a much debated verse because the Greek is kind of tricky here. But it says, you know, the niv, if I just read it says, and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. Well, what do people do? They immediately say they read this verse when something goes bad. Yeah, this is like the go to verse. But after what I just read about spirit filled people having trouble with, you know, what to pray for and their groaning. And he started this whole section off that I read about us suffering. And so what I think when you look at what the actual Greek is. And I got this from N.T. wright, who got it from somebody else. These scholars got together. He said, there's a. The Greek seems to say, well, let me read it like mine says. And then how they translate it. We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. And the nt Right. He prefaced his thoughts on it by saying. But he just got through saying about him working in us through His Holy Spirit. And they broke down the Greek. You can go look this up on your own and see. But he had the Greek reading. And we know that in all things God works with, for the good, with those who love Him. It's some version of that. It's like he's working with you. And you say, and people, I think the reason they don't like that translation is because, well, who are you? You're a sinful, you know, good for nothing. But it's in the context that he's given you his spirit and it's interceding for you with groan that there's this. We're still human beings with our old self wanting to rear its ugly head. And that made a light bulb come on for me. Kind of like what Paul was praying here. He was saying, pray for me that I'll share the gospel fearlessly as an ambassador. Well, you say, well, was he struggling with that? He's chained to a wall. You know what I mean? But look, was God working with him to. Yes, God has a job for us today.
Zach
Do you have any unbiotax returns or maybe you can't pay the irs? I'm going to tell you something. The IRS is aggressive. And the longer you wait, the worse it gets. Trust me. Wage garnishments, bank levies, even property seizures are all on the table. You got to get ahead of this, Al. You've had personal experience with the IRS and bankruptcy issues, correct?
Phil
No doubt about it. And it's just, it's the fear that. That goes around it because you know, these folks have the power to make your life very miserable. So you wish you had known someone like Tax Network usa? I certainly do.
Zach
Yeah. That would have been a great blessing to you at the time. Well, look, now's the time to resolve your IRS troubles. But going up against the IRS alone, it's a mistake. Take my advice and call the experts at Tax Network usa. They know the system and they have an edge. They have a preferred direct line to the irs. They know which agents to deal with and which ones to avoid. So Whether you owe $10,000 or $10,000,000, it doesn't. Their genius strategies are designed to quickly settle your tax problems in your favor. Tax Network USA's attorneys and negotiators have already resolved over $1 billion in tax debt. That's insane. Tax Network USA can help you, too, but you need to move fast. Talk with one of their strategists today. It's free, and you can stop looking over your shoulder and put this thing behind you. Call Tax Network USA at 1-800-958-1000. That's 1-800-958-10000 or visit tnusa.comUnashamed that's tnusa.comUnashamEd.
Jace
So think about all the passages where, like Ephesians 2, it talks about salvation by God's grace and he's given us the gift of Jesus. And then the next thing it says is for God's got work for you to do, created before the creation of the world for you to be his workmanship. And so I think that's what this is talking about, because then it says for those God foreknew he also predestined for why to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, be Jesus on the earth. You have the Spirit, sure, you're going to suffer. It's like God's plan was for him to make a bunch of mini Jesuses. And so then it makes sense of Ephesians 4:10 where. And all the times in John, John 14 through 16 where Jesus said, I got to leave. I got to go to the Father. I got to go. You don't understand, I have to leave. I have to leave. And then he's like, but I'm going to give you my spirit. Well then when you read Ephesians 4:10, it makes sense because it's like he ascended so that he might fill the universe. Because if he stayed here, he's just one guy. What's he going to do? Door knock every society? But if he goes to the right hand of God and gives us this access to God, he then can pour out his spirit, which can go into multiple human beings and then reach the whole world. Now we're getting Back to Matthew 28, where he's like, go into the world and make disciples of all nations. So then it says for those God for no he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among the brothers. And those he predestined he also called well, how did he call you through the Gospel of Jesus?
Phil
Exactly.
Jace
Which is the people who I think are confused about this, they don't understand Romans 10. They spent a lot of time in Romans 9. Romans 10 says, how can someone hear.
Phil
Unless they've been called?
Jace
Unless somebody calls? Faith comes through hearing the message. Romans 10, 17. So it started making sense that Jesus is the call. He called you through Jesus. So then those he called, he justified. Just as you had never sinned. Because when you hear the story of Jesus, you're like, oh, he paid for my sins on a cross. He came back from the dead.
Phil
That's the first access point. But then there's more.
Jace
Then he justified. And those he justified, he also glorified. Which I think causes confusion because everybody's like, we're not going to be glorified until we get our new body. But he just said, I'm going to give you the new body, but you have the spirit now.
Phil
Exactly.
Jace
So now you have to argue if you don't even entertain. What I'm saying is that some glorification didn't happen to you when God entered your body via the Holy Spirit. I would call that glory. They're like, why are you so excited? Why are you singing praises? Because I have the spirit. I've been glorified.
Phil
And the thing about it, Jason, it even goes back in the Old Testament, Moses would have. The presence of God would be near him, and he. And it says the glory of God would come upon him and he would be glowing. Well, he was a long ways away from realizing the Holy Spirit and Jesus. But it was all there, 100%.
Jace
And I wasn't prepared to go through my new take on Romans 8. But since Zach left, I thought, well, wait on John. And I've been itching to do this, and I'm doing it off the top of my head. And look, go study it for yourself. But where this goes from here, it makes more sense because then he says in 31, look, we're back to God the Father's role. It says, what then, shall we say in response to this? I'm just going to stop. Because he's like, how do you respond to this? Of all the things that he could say. And there's so many arguments about what this means. You know, watch what he says. You know, how do you respond? If God is for us, who can be against us? Which is my whole point of saying this all started with God, God's love saying, I want a family. And here's how it's going to start. And so he sent Jesus to rescue that family, sends his spirit to ensure that you can live forever and have this help along with.
Phil
And if you think about using those terms you just used, you think justified being related to sin and its nature, sanctified being related to weakness and indwelling, and glorified being related to living forever in resurrection, both before it actually happens and after. I mean, that takes care of all of our problems.
Jace
Well, then he says that. Because, look, then in verse 32, it says, he who did not spare his own son. I mean, it's not he who didn't spare his son. He gave his Son up. Which is something I could not do. I just. We gotta find another way. I'm not doing that either one of my sons. I'm like, that's not for sale, right? But God, who didn't spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Why does he keep saying give, give? Because that's where the love. Giving is an act of love. And he gave us a son who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen. And you're like, well, where's he chosen us in the giving of His Son? Yes, it is God who justifies. Who is it that condemns Christ? Jesus, who died more than that, who was raised to life, is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. So who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Well, I got a question. When is all that happening? That's happening now, while we have the Spirit. But God is working with us for the good. As it is written, for your sake. We face death all day long. We are considered to be sheep to be slaughtered. And then. I love this verse. Know in all things we are more than conquerors, more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Phil
Well, we started this by talking about prayer, of course, for Jill and Zach. And you went to Matthew 6, 9, the Lord's Prayer. And you asked a question way back then. You said, how could they have missed it? But they. But the question is answered by if you have the wrong narrative because you think that the kingdom was something different, that we get to rule and be in charge of. And to your point, Romans 8 is easy to miss if you're only looking for heaven as being the place that we hope we get to as opposed to the place we get to experience. So I mean, looking at it through a different prism and perspective changes and.
Jace
Take slow, you know, take this slow. Go study it on your own. But I will guarantee this, once you see it, it's hard to unsee it. And look, it'll make you get up out of out of your chair or off your couch and run through a wall for the Almighty. You see, you do what Paul says, you're like, I need to do some ambassador work. If you don't believe it won't make.
Phil
You do that, take a look at our old friend Chad Wright, who was recently on a podcast, and see what happens. All right, so keep keep Zach in your prayers. We'll have an update on that next time we get together. And eventually we will get back to John 8 on Unashamed. Thanks for listening to the Unashamed podcast. Help us out by leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcast. And don't miss an episode by subscribing on YouTube. And be sure to click the little bell and choose all notifications to watch every episode.
Podcast Summary: Unashamed with the Robertson Family
Episode: Ep 1094 | Miss Kay Makes a New Friend, Phil Shines with the Holy Spirit & Jase Sees God’s Glory in It
Release Date: May 19, 2025
In Episode 1094 of Unashamed with the Robertson Family, hosts Phil, Al, Jase, and Zach delve into heartfelt family stories, spiritual insights, and reflections on faith amidst personal challenges. This episode is a poignant blend of personal anecdotes and biblical exploration, emphasizing the unwavering Christian faith of the Robertson family.
[00:31 – 05:25] Updating on Parents’ Condition
The episode begins with Jace declaring, “I am unashamed. What about you?” setting a tone of openness and vulnerability. Phil shares updates about their parents residing in a care facility, highlighting the challenges and touching moments they experience daily.
[14:04 – 17:48] Miss Kay’s Special Encounter with a Bird
Jace narrates a beautiful encounter where his mother, Miss Kay, shows him a bird interacting with her rose bushes. This moment serves as a metaphor for divine intervention and God's presence in their lives.
[05:25 – 27:30] Understanding Romans 8 and the Battle Against Death
The hosts engage in an in-depth discussion on Romans 8, exploring themes of sin, death, and the Holy Spirit's role in believers' lives.
[27:30 – 53:39] The Kingdom of God On Earth
Jace and Phil explore the concept of the Kingdom of God, interpreting Jesus' teachings and their implications for living a Spirit-filled life on earth.
[57:51 – 58:17] Intercessory Prayer
The family joins together in prayer, specifically lifting Zach’s wife, Jill, who is experiencing severe abdominal pain that may be appendicitis. They seek divine intervention and healing, demonstrating their reliance on faith during medical crises.
[53:39 – 58:17] Final Thoughts on Faith and Persistence
As the episode draws to a close, Jace and Phil reflect on the enduring nature of God's love and the importance of faith in overcoming life's adversities. They encourage listeners to deepen their understanding of biblical scriptures and live out their faith boldly.
Episode 1094 of Unashamed offers an intimate glimpse into the Robertson family's life, combining personal struggles with profound spiritual insights. Through their stories and biblical discussions, Phil, Jase, and Zach illustrate living an unashamed Christian faith, resilient in the face of life's challenges. This episode serves as an inspiration for listeners to embrace their faith, support their families, and seek deeper understanding of God's word.
Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the core discussions and narratives presented by the Robertson family.