Reclaiming Rest Radio

Will Jesus remove the church from the earth?Will sinners who confidently yet falsely profess him be left behind?Will there be a seven-year tribulation?How are we to handle doctrine which was gangbusters from the mid-1990s and early 2000s?Is there any meat to it?Should anyone fear a possibility of being left behind?Justin seeks to answer those questions, and set the record straight.

Jesus is coming back.Are you fearful of that?Anxious about it?Try not to think about it?Justin understands.He also believes that he can help you be eager for and look forward to it.

test

Jesus is coming back.Are you fearful of that?Anxious about it?Try not to think about it?Justin understands.He also believes that he can help you be eager for and look forward to it.

Perhaps you've read Justin's writing on the subject.Whether you have or haven't, he now speaks on it.It's believed and taught that emphasizing God's grace in Jesus for Christians encourages them to sin.Justin doesn't believe that.He explains why with commentary which is rooted in Scripture.Listen, and become equipped to refute that false and damning claim.

God speaks for Himself, through His word.And often, taking it in without commentary is beneficial.So, what does The LORD say has been done for His sons and daughters?What does their Father say He's made them to be?What has been given to them?Justin invites you to listen, and meditate.References:Romans 5:8; 8:31, 34; 12:61 Corinthians 1:30, 2:122 Corinthians 1:22, 5:21Ephesians 2:4-5, 4:7, 5:1-2Colossians 2:132 Thessalonians 2:162 Timothy 1:7, 9Hebrews 9:24, 11:39-401 Peter 1:32 Peter 1:3-41 John 3:1, 24; 4:13, 16a; 5:11, 20Revelation 1:5-6

Acts 8 tells us that "Even Simon himself believed."It also tells us that "he was baptized."Yet later, Peter spoke to him in a condemning fashion.So, what exactly did Simon "believe?"Will Christians meet him in the new creation?Justin seeks to explain how the issue can be better understood.*Clarification:* it's debatable what it means that the Samaritans received The Holy Spirit. It could have more to do with the manifestation of gifts than being indwelt. Justin says that given his comment that the Samaritans were eventually sealed for the day of redemption.

Esau.That name sends a chill up and down the spines of many Christians.Because, repentance.They understand Hebrews 12:17 to mean that he wanted to repent of sin, but his window to do so had closed.And, they fear the same has actually happened to them.But is that what the letter's author meant?Justin believes a different understanding is more accurate, and hopes to calm his brothers' and sisters' nerves.

It's believed and taught that Christians must obey in order to remain saved.Justin still doesn't believe that.He explains why with more commentary which is rooted in Scripture.Listen, and become further equipped to refute that false and damning claim.

Perhaps you've read Justin's writing on the subject.Whether you have or haven't, he now speaks on it.It's believed and taught that Christians must obey in order to remain saved.Justin doesn't believe that.He explains why with commentary which is rooted in Scripture.Listen, and become equipped to refute that false and damning claim.

Justin believes that Hebrews, 1 John, and Revelation are the epistles which frighten Christians the most.On this episode, the best Old Testament commentary is front-and-center.It happens to contain several warnings.And they paralyze many of Justin's brothers and sisters.He aches for them.And he aims to shed light on how the warnings are misunderstood.

Leviticus.Is it possible to look forward to reading that book when it shows up on your Bible-reading plan?If it seems crazy to ask that question, brace yourself.Is it possible to be...excited while reading it?Justin believes, yes.Join him for a high-level walkthrough of Moses' third book, and hopefully understand why.

Repentance.That might be the most controversial topic in Scripture.What is it?What isn't it?Justin offers answers to those questions.And he does so in part by connecting Jesus' earthly ministry to a concept in the Old Testament which he believes is overlooked.

Do you struggle with morbid introspection......with anxiety, dread, depression, despair, panic attacks?And likely, by extension, assurance?Well, the Reformation concept of 'extra nos' might help you.It helps answer questions like, "where does a sinner's salvation lie?"And Justin believes it's also invaluable for strengthening assurance.God's Way of Peace: https://www.monergism.com/gods-way-peace-ebook

The reformer John Calvin wrote, "We ought to read the Scriptures with the express design of finding Christ in them."He did because Christ said that.Church leaders and congregants need to do that.Christ is to be found outside the gospel accounts.Justin offers insight into how that is done.

"Have I taken the mark of the beast?" Much preaching from and teaching on the book of Revelation results in my brothers and sisters asking themselves and others that question. Have any of us taken the mark of the beast? Can any of us take it? Justin seeks to provide clarity on the subject.

"How do I know?..." Justin believes that is the most commonly-asked question among professing Christians today. And it's usually followed by something specific. "...I'm a Christian?" "...I'm saved?" "...I'm elect?" "...my faith is genuine?" "...that I'm not deceived?" Justin also believes that he can help his brothers and sisters with that question.

Justin asks that regardless of your perspective, you listen with an open mind.Justin asks that you not assume things before, during, or after listening.Justin asks that you take time to process what he says.Sisters in Christ, Justin recorded this especially for you.Justin believes it's high time that Christians better understand a statement which Paul wrote to Timothy.It is one of Scripture's most controversial verses.The fallout of misguided preaching and teaching on it is incalculable.Many have been robbed of rest in Christ.Relationships among God's people have suffered.Much opportunity for learning theology and doctrine has been squandered.Unity in the church at large is far from where it ought to be.Thank God then that in The Gospel, there is hope and healing.

2 Corinthians 7. Worldly grief. Godly grief. Did Paul mean for professing Christians to determine which one they experience? Did the apostle want people questioning their salvation? What is worldly grief anyway? Or godly, for that matter? Justin seeks to answer those questions.

Justin still isn't about to declare which Christian tradition or denomination is the 'best.' (If that doesn't make sense...please see the previous episode, Part 1.) He still wants nothing to do with tribalism. He wants you to understand how the church is meant to operate according to the New Testament. That starts with preaching. Justin switches gears to the sacraments, and discipline. Tune in for explanations. link to Belgic confession: https://www.rca.org/about/theology/creeds-and-confessions/the-belgic-confession/#article29

True church? If that makes you nervous, please rest easy. Justin isn't about to declare which Christian tradition or denomination is the 'best.' He wants nothing to do with tribalism. He wants you to understand how the church is meant to operate according to the New Testament. That starts with preaching. Pure Gospel preaching, that is. Tune in for an explanation. link to Belgic confession: https://www.rca.org/about/theology/creeds-and-confessions/the-belgic-confession/#article29

Mainstream preaching and teaching present 1 John as a series of tests. Passing the tests means one can be confident of salvation. That is, until doubt creeps in... And for many, doubt sticks around...only to become despair. Hmm... Is that why the apostle wrote his first inspired letter? Did John write to test the salvation of his original readers? There is a small but growing minority which vehemently disagrees with the mainstream. What is the disagreement, and is it legitimate? Justin explains, and hopes to put confusion about 1 John to rest.

Understanding and embracing what it means to be in Christ is of paramount importance. The doctrine is prevalent in the New Testament epistles, after all. It informs us what to believe about ourselves, our Father, and Christian living. On this episode, Justin does some digging into the concept for your encouragement.

What is good news? How would you answer that question? Justin offers an answer here. If the answer seems straightforward, that begs another question..."Why do so many get The Gospel wrong?" The Gospel is good news. That means something for the believer's assurance. video of Michael Horton take: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caMVMayR690

Imagine... For a dozen years, you've gone out in public...and the only attention you're paid is so that people can keep their distance and utterly ignore you. No one talks to you or touches you in any kind of positive fashion. I don't think any of us would wish that on our worst enemy, yet a real person experienced that very thing. That person had a face-to-face encounter with God in the flesh, and it was altogether positive. The narrative is worth everyone's close study.

Many believe Scripture to teach that God erases names from The Book of Life. It's understandable, but is that really what Scripture says? Can professing Christians disobey their way out of The Book of Life? How should the verses which people believe say that God erases names from The Book of Life be understood? Justin seeks to answer that question on this episode.

Memories. We all have them. Some are good. Some are bad. Others are somewhere in-between. In Matthew and Mark, Jesus is recorded as having said precious words about something that would be told in memory of a certain person. May those words encourage His people.

Examine. In Justin's estimation, there are few words in Scripture which cause his brothers and sisters more trepidation. That isn't surprising given what is usually communicated about the word, whether from pulpits or by Christians in general. Both make Justin sad and angry. He hopes that this episode helps everyone to understand 1 Corinthians 11:28 and 2 Corinthians 13:5 more accurately, and recover some spiritual sanity which has been lost.

Depart. In Justin's estimation, there are few words in Scripture which cause his brothers and sisters more trepidation. That isn't surprising given what is usually communicated about the word, whether from pulpits or by Christians in general. Both make Justin sad and angry. He hopes that this episode helps everyone to understand Matthew 7:23 more accurately, and recover some spiritual sanity which has been lost.

Lukewarm. In Justin's estimation, there are few words in Scripture which cause his brothers and sisters more trepidation. That isn't surprising given what is usually communicated about the word, whether from pulpits or by Christians in general. Both make Justin sad and angry. He hopes that this episode helps everyone to understand Revelation 3:16 more accurately, and recover some spiritual sanity which has been lost.

The Psalms hold a special place in believers' hearts. 88 in particular stands out and means a great deal to Justin. Why? Of all the lament psalm authors, the author of 88 didn't shift out of his darkness. The psalms prove that God's people struggle with darkness. They also prove that God can handle and doesn't condemn their darkness. Brothers and sisters, let us sing an inspired song sung in darkness!

Sexual sin. Pornography. Those words conjure a wide range of emotions and thoughts. Many might summarize them in a single word, 'filth.' It is a plague in churches, Christian homes, and society. Nevertheless, the grace of God has saved and continues to change sexual sinners. Whether a Christian struggles with it in thought, word, or deed...there is freedom in Jesus Christ. Justin hopes that the testimony of what God has done for him in this area will speak hope into the lives of others. The Broken Vessels: https://www.youtube.com/@thebrokenvesselspodcast1769 Scarlet Hope: https://scarlethope.org/

As concerns doctrine, Christians can be a terribly distracted bunch. Christians have an unfortunate tendency to pay much attention to doctrine which Scripture doesn't give much attention, and is controversial to boot. Christians ought instead seek to grow in their understanding of doctrine which is given particular attention in Scripture. What doctrines does Scripture pay particular attention, and why?

For a variety of unfortunate reasons, many Christians have walked away from churches or are in the process of doing so. Such Christians face difficult challenges and feel tremendous pain. One challenge is the painful loss of 'friends.' One consolation is that they encounter others who help them with their hurt. Better yet, they'll find themselves in the precious position to help others who are also hurting. Thank God that no matter what, Jesus Christ is always our Friend. sermon mentioned: https://gracereformed.org/media/hkd7b5r/john-15-12-17-the-joy-of-bearing-fruit

Presbyterian, Baptist, Lutheran, Anglican, Episcopalian, etc... It doesn't matter what 'flag' a Christian flies. All Christians are ultimately on the same team. Why then the 'Royal Rumble?' Brothers and sisters...our daily need to encourage and build up one another in our most holy, common faith ought not take a backseat to 'wrestling' over non-primary matters. No Christian tradition has a monopoly on Gospel ministry. We do well to remember that.

Is there more to Christianity than grace? Some say yes. Others, no. Who is correct? Are both answers incorrect? What does Scripture say on the matter? Is what Scripture says cut and dried? The truth is more important than we might realize.

Any sermon that footnotes Christ, or leaves Him out altogether, is actually not a sermon. Why? Jesus says that Scripture is about Him. Failure to heed that results in a host of problems. One of those problems is that Christians dread the Old Testament...which is a crying shame, a travesty really. It is understandable though, given that Christians are fed a diet of Old Testament without Christ. It's like eating only sugar. It might initially feel good and produce energy, but you inevitably crash. Jesus taught Himself, and through the apostles, the redemptive-historical hermeneutic. It is life-changing to grasp and embrace the redemptive-historical hermeneutic, because through that we learn of The pure, life-changing Gospel.

Scripture contains Law and Gospel. The two relate. They function as a team. As Luther said, "The Law discovers the disease, The Gospel delivers the remedy." Even so, they also must be kept distinct. Many preachers and teachers fail to distinguish them. That's a terrible problem! It's why, every day, anxious and despairing Christians ask questions like... "Does God love me?" "Am I doing well-enough?" "Can I ever be sure that I'm saved?" Long story short, it is life-changing to learn to distinguish The Law and Gospel as Scripture does.

The Reformation sought to reclaim assurance and rest for the believer. Believers that celebrate the Reformation aren't strangers to the recovery of the doctrine of justification by faith alone, but much more came out of that crucial time in church history. In this part two of the show's first two-parter...Justin covers four C categories, two non-C categories, and how the six concepts help believers find rest in Christ.

The Reformation sought to reclaim assurance and rest for the believer. Believers that celebrate the Reformation aren't strangers to the recovery of the doctrine of justification by faith alone, but much more came out of that crucial time in church history. In this part one of the show's first two-parter...Justin covers the five solas, how the five solas relate to God's sovereignty in salvation, and how those concepts help believers find rest in Christ. Good news: Scripture proclaims and teaches that believers are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone for the glory of God alone!

Christians legitimately and regularly deal with darkness. Justin, the face of Reclaiming Rest, is no exception. After a night he went through during his infant years in fundamentalism, a darkness remained which affects him to this day. Justin hopes that by sharing about the experience, The Gospel will shine into others' darkness. Good news: our Father doesn't only listen to our cries in darkness, He lovingly and compassionately came and comes TO us in our darkness!

Piety, another word for godliness, is a good thing. Pietism is a preoccupation with piety, and a terrible problem that is prevalent in churches throughout the world. Pietism is the reason why many believers suffer from lack of assurance and routine internal panic regarding one's salvation. What does a preoccupation with piety entail, and is there any hope for believers to have internal peace? Justin answers these questions, and offers insight into the biblical Jesus.

Justin Joseph is the face of Reclaiming Rest, a ministry by which he coins himself an unworthy and ordinary saint/sinner that's on mission to encourage his brothers and sisters to rest in The worthy Christ and The extraordinary Gospel. Justin introduces the audio extension of the ministry, Reclaiming Rest Radio.