PODCAST · religion
Growing in Grace
by Mike Kapler & Joel Brueseke
Growing in Grace is a weekly program featuring informal conversation to help with growth in understanding the gospel, and to live in the freedom that comes through Jesus Christ.
Episodes
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1086. Legal Alert: "Don't Be Friends With the World"
The religious accusation of being "friends with the world" will mean many different things to different people ... but it is generally rooted in a law-based mindset. We've had such accusations hurled at us both personally and through the podcast. And we've been a part of that haughty hangout in…
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1085. Learning to Love Yourself - As God Does
Listeners have written to us to express their inner battle with being able to love themselves. The lifeless seeds plated by others left them feeling barren and unsure of themselves ... and lacking confidence in God's love for them. They often have to deal with well-meaning but judgmental types…
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1084. God Has Crowned Us With Glory and Honor
It's unfortunate so many have wrestled with low self-esteem. There could be many reasons individuals experience this ... including misguided Bible teaching. God wants us to see the high value He has bestowed upon us as His creation. Jesus paid the ultimate price for us and although we don't hear…
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1083. A Spontaneous Conversation About Growing in the Grace of the Gospel
Our conversation this week is about growing in grace and our understanding of the gospel. Of course, this isn't referring to finding ways to get more grace because God has already abundantly provided all of us with more than enough. But there is always a journey involving our understanding of it....
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1082. Jesus Overcomes the Invasion of the Snatchers
Truth isn't meant to be based on being persuaded by Bible doctrines that we embrace or reject. One can't help but wonder the number of people who attend a church building regularly who struggle with where they stand with God. They may sometimes feel worse coming out than when they went in. Why?...
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1081. The Savorless Sandwich of Law and Grace - Made With "The Works"
Even the works that religion is so zealous to emphasize is by grace through faith and not of ourselves. We boast in nothing. What we do (or avoid) is not meant to be 'spiritual exercise' to strengthen or secure our position with God. Doing good works will not wipe out the struggle with...
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1080. Faith Is Not the Ministry of "Look at Me"
Jesus cautioned His disciples to avoid the "look at me" approach used by hypocrites who feel it is necessary to be seen with their doing. It is based in law, not faith. After all, faith is the evidence of that which is not seen. We walk by faith, not by sight. Anybody can perform outwardly and do...
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1079. Bursting the Juicy Fruit Bubble - A Word About Faith and Law
So ... what about this 'fruit stand' that church brands along the side of the road are always trying to advertise? Even as one of their steady customers, religious fruit inspectors may have cited you with having dead faith if 'your' fruit isn't being seen outwardly. That's not a very reassuring...
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1078. Keeping Our Eyes Upon Jesus
A common catchphrase that may get thrown around a lot goes something like: "Let's keep our eyes on Jesus." It's certainly good advice to be looking to Jesus ... but just exactly what does it mean? Ask this question to a group of believers or ministers and you're likely to get a variety of…
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1077. Dealing With the Information Overload of Conflicting Bible Beliefs
To a significant degree, Bible teaching consists of a perspective or opinion ... a point of view. You've probably noticed the seemingly infinite number of those different theories and expressions. Many times, one well-known church or pastor can express the polar opposite of another prominent—if…
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1076. Identifying Those People With "Itching Ears"
In his letters to Timothy, Paul talked about people with itching ears who would pursue myths and fables as they strayed from sound teaching. Have you ever had someone from the legalistic side of the fence make the accusation it is a reference to those 'hyper-grace radicals?' So ... who are these...
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1075. You're Secure in Christ Because of God's Promise, Not Your Performance
In spite of whatever ups and downs you've had on this planet ... whatever inconsistencies and broken promises you've lived or experienced from others ... no matter what the struggles ... we have a guarantee. It's Jesus. While the religions of the world (often including Christianity) will tend to...
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1074. Legalistic Lingo: "Backsliding"
"Backsliding." If you've been enjoying the message related to the gospel of grace for a while, you may not have heard the word for a long time. On the other hand, it is probably a regular part of one's vocabulary if surrounded by a legalistic landscape. "Backsliding" will have various…
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1073. The Remedy to Permanently Treat Religious Legalism
There are no chapters in the Bible specifically dedicated to the word legalism ... but the concept can be found throughout the pages. In a nutshell, it's the human effort to acquire God's acceptance and approval while being rewarded with eternal life and other blessings. There can be varying...
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1072. Now What? When There Is Nothing Left to Forgive
Most church customers who believe in Jesus have been taught they are just sinners (saved by grace) with unclean hearts ... and need to keep seeking a renewed forgiveness from God whenever they fail or fall short. This often becomes a heavily embedded routine that isn't exactly going to strengthen...
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1071. Forgiveness From God: Contrasting the Old Covenant to the New
One of the biggest struggles for those who have been chained to various types of legalism is the worry that God hasn't forgiven them. Perhaps such a concern is because of something they did or they may have frequently done. It usually results in people feeling as though they need to repeatedly…
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1070. One Body - A Variety of Parts and Functions
We all have different abilities, gifts and talents. Within corporate church systems, some members of the body are recruited or convinced they are 'called' to function in a part of the ministry they are not comfortable with. Others have chastised those who believe or function in a gift they...
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1069. The Will of God for You (Part 2)
It is difficult to experience the peace of God to the fullest if we're steadily or periodically wondering whether we're in God's will. It becomes even more complicated if we're worried what the negative ramifications might be if we become convinced through external sources that we are "out of…
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1068. The Will of God for You
People can go through all kinds of stress and worry while wondering or trying to figure out what God's will is for their life. It can result in this life becoming heavy and hard instead of light and easy. Sometimes it's just a matter of trusting God to lead and guide. This becomes easier when we...
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1067. Is There Such a Thing as a License to Sin?
It has been said that grace can result in a license to sin if it isn't balanced with a message of religious law and works. The concerns that grace alone will cause people to be disobedient and choose a sinful lifestyle is the equivalent of blaming Jesus for the choices people make. Avoiding sin…
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1066. Our Reward Is an Unearned Inheritance
There are people who show compassion and do good things to help others. Some are Christians, others are not. Some do it from a loving heart, others do it to try to earn points with God or to be seen by others for recognition. When abiding in grace, what is the motivation to give to others who may...
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1065. Talking Outside the Traditional Box About the B-I-B-L-E
Many Christians consider the Bible as a book that is their connection to God. This is understandable because people tend to desire in seeking ways to make God more tangible within their life and world. The pages are something we can touch and see. It can easily become something worshiped or...
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1064. The Religious Beatdown: "I Felt Worse, Like I Was Never Doing Enough"
A listener shares with us their story of spending decades in several different churches while working at being dedicated and committed to the cause. Over time, they began to struggle with depression, anxiety, guilt and shame. If it seems like there is something wrong with this picture, it's…
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1063. Confidence Becomes Volatile When It's Based on Behavior
Most have been subjected to religious behavioral requirements. It may be a standard you set for yourself, or it may have come from church friends or other sources. Maybe even by misunderstandings within Bible verses. If you convince yourself you're doing a 'pretty good' job of keeping up by...
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1062. The Burdensome Process of 'Surrendering' Everything to God
Many of the things we've all heard in mixed-covenant church buildings can easily result in leftovers or at least trace elements within our mindsets that we attempt to apply to the message of the gospel of grace. The result becomes a rather murky hodgepodge of inconsistency. It leaves believers in...
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1061. Being at Peace Even When So Many Questions Remain Unanswered
We have received many inquiries from listeners over the years who are in search of answers to questions that may have them confused when it comes to things found in the Bible. This isn't exactly an exclusive club. We all would like greater clarity on many things we may not fully understand. When...
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1060. Dodging the 'Doing' Dilemma and Walking in the Spirit
It's good to do good. Works can certainly become an important part of our lives in Christ. But how we are positioned with God is not based on what we do (or don't do). Our eternal redemption and our identity of righteousness is based on what Jesus did for us through a finished work that He...
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1059. The Corporate Church Campaign to Mix Law and Grace
1. Moses. Charlton Heston. The Ten Commandments. 603 other commandments. Mount Sinai. The Passover lamb. Many sacrifices. Works. Hearing and doing. Sins temporarily covered. Reminded of sins. 2. Jesus. The Lamb of God. Grace. The gift of salvation and righteousness. Faith. One sacrifice. Easter....
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1058. Grace Will Expose the Motivations of the Heart
When we discover a revelation of God's grace, Christians who have been inundated with doctrines of doing in order to maintain right standing with God will be confronted with something that may challenge their past mindset. Under a legalistic, self-righteous, mixed-covenant church culture, it was...
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1057. A Listener Asks About Overcoming Past Regrets, Religious Exhaustion and Church Attendance
God's grace teaches us so much over time when compared to religious routines and traditions of "doing" that have often missed the core message of the gospel of God's love. We're continuing with the second part of a letter we received from a newer listener to the podcast who is beginning to see…
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1056. A New Listener Writes About Their Faith Roller Coaster - It May Be Your Story Too
Over the past couple of decades, we've received correspondence from people from around the world. We've been blessed by so many emails and comments. We've also heard stories from some who shared very difficult things they have experienced from church denominations and religious tradition ... and...
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1055. The Listeners Speak! The Changes Grace Brought to Them (Part 6)
This is the final installment from our previous request ... asking listeners to share something that completely changed for them as they slipped from the roots of religious legalism into the grace of the gospel. This week includes the topics of: - The fear of participating in communion "in an...
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1054. The Listeners Speak! The Changes Grace Brought to Them (Part 5)
Some weeks ago, we asked our listeners to comment on something that completely changed for them as they slipped from the roots of religious legalism into the grace of the gospel. This week includes the topics of: - Trying to keep some type of weekly religious sabbath and attempting to...
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1053. The Listeners Speak! The Changes Grace Brought to Them (Part 4)
A while back, we asked our listeners to comment on something that completely changed for them as they slipped from the roots of religious legalism into the grace of the gospel. This week includes the topics of: - The Holy Spirit does not convict believers of sin, but unbelievers. - Knowing that…
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1052. The Listeners Speak! The Changes Grace Brought to Them (Part 3)
A few weeks ago, we asked our listeners to respond with comments to this: Name something that completely changed things for you when coming from a traditional or legalistic-based religious mindset compared to a greater knowledge of the gospel of grace. For those who have experienced such a…
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1051. The Listeners Speak! The Changes Grace Brought to Them (Part 2)
A few weeks ago, we asked our listeners to respond with comments to this: Name something that completely changed things for you when coming from a traditional or legalistic-based religious mindset compared to a greater knowledge of the gospel of grace. For those who have experienced such a…
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1050. The Listeners Speak! The Changes Grace Brought to Them (Part 1)
A few weeks ago, we asked our listeners to respond with comments to this: Name something that completely changed things for you when coming from a traditional or legalistic-based religious mindset compared to a greater knowledge of the gospel of grace. For those who have experienced such a…
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1049. The Common Clash Between the Gospel and the Red Letters
There is a common misconception within the Christian mindset that the words Jesus spoke to His disciples and others should also be considered as if He was speaking to all future believers. But the primary mission of Jesus was to minister to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ... Jewish people...
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1048. Defining "The Gospel"
The gospel. We hear the word a lot—probably without thinking much about what it specifically means. Meanings in the Greek describe *gospel* as to proclaim or declare good news. And while it is literally defined as good news—and we can relate the good news to Jesus—what exactly IS that good news?...
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1047. Resting in Grace
Stop and think about who Jesus was speaking to when He said the following: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Of course, it was directed specifically at those (Jewish people) who had been held under an unprofitable law which required them to work at hearing...
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1046. Religion Says You Ain't No Saint (But God Says You Are)
What comes to mind when you hear the word "saint"? Most will picture what tradition and perhaps even our dictionary has told us ... such as these examples: A) An extremely virtuous person. B) A person of exceptional holiness or goodness. C) Someone regarded with deep respect or reverence. D) A...
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New Year 2026 - Revisiting Episode 931: Freedom From the Religion of "How To"
Happy New Year all! We'll be back in 2026 with plenty of brand new grace-filled episodes. This week we're going back into the archives for an encouraging episode that focuses on our identity in Christ apart from what we do, and the freedom we have in Him. The church system in Christianity is...
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1045. And on Earth Peace, Goodwill Toward Men (And What it Means for Us)
One of the greatest announcements in the history of the world happened on a night when a heavenly visitation was on display before a group of shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks. A heavenly host appeared with the angel and proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth…
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1044. Choosing Spiritual Diversification or Investing Fully in Jesus
In the financial world of investing, it is usually wise to diversify to reduce risk. This way, different asset classes or industries which may perform poorly for a time in one area can be offset by better performance somewhere else. In the religious world, even among Christian portfolios, there…
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1043. Faith Expressing Itself Through Love
The sad reality for many weekly churchgoers is finding themselves wondering if they are doing enough to remain in God's good graces. They've been told about the risk of having dead faith if they lack in works. People who came to believe in Jesus by grace through faith—apart from works—didn't see...
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1042. Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah Stayin' Alive (Stayin' Alive)
For those of us who have experienced the gospel of abundant grace, it can be interesting to think back to the BG days (before grace). The Christian "religion" so often touts the need for believers in Christ to "do" things to maintain salvation and God's acceptance or approval ... while trying to...
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1041. Even as People of Faith, It's Okay to Say, "I Don't Know"
We can all look back at the many things we've learned (or unlearned) about God, His love, the message of Jesus and His redemptive work at the cross. And yet, there seems to be so much we don't know when it comes to eternal things. Theology becomes a tangled mess full of twists and turns. We…
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1040. Is the Bible God's Word and Our Final Authority?
In our culture today, the collection of writings commonly referred to as The Bible has often been called God's Word. Some call it our final authority. Yet we see within the pages where it is Jesus who is specifically defined as the Word who was with God from the beginning—and was God—and He…
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1039. Is God the "Author" of the Publication Known as The Holy Bible?
A slogan heard quite often within Christian circles—used in various ways—is that God is the Author of the Bible. It's a concept that somewhat turns into a catchphrase without entirely taking into consideration what this specifically means. For those who have listened to us for the past twenty...
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1038. A Case of Stolen Identity
Our former days from working in radio brings a reminder of something the FCC required at the top of every hour for broadcasters. It's called a "Legal ID," where each station airs their call letters and city of license. From a Christian spiritual perspective, what would appear on your ID if it…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Growing in Grace is a weekly program featuring informal conversation to help with growth in understanding the gospel, and to live in the freedom that comes through Jesus Christ.
HOSTED BY
Mike Kapler & Joel Brueseke
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Growing in Grace have?
Growing in Grace currently has 1000 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Growing in Grace about?
Growing in Grace is a weekly program featuring informal conversation to help with growth in understanding the gospel, and to live in the freedom that comes through Jesus Christ.
How often does Growing in Grace release new episodes?
Growing in Grace releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 1000 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Growing in Grace?
You can listen to Growing in Grace on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Growing in Grace?
Growing in Grace is created and hosted by Mike Kapler & Joel Brueseke.
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