Marked by Grace

Latest Episodes:

Is a White Lie Wrong? Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

We've all told them - those small lies that seem to help rather than hurt. However, Pastor Heath Lambert explains why even "little white lies" violate the ninth commandment and why God takes all dishonesty seriously, regardless of its size.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction and book release (week two)

1:25 - The question: Is a white lie wrong?

2:04 - What makes a lie seem "white" or harmless

2:26 - Common examples of white lies

3:06 - Defining what a lie actually is

3:53 - The ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16)

4:40 - The story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5)

5:55 - The real issue: lying to God, not just people

6:29 - Why the size of the lie doesn't matter

7:02 - The relational pressure behind white lies

7:29 - What's really dark in our hearts

8:08 - Truth-telling alternatives to white lies

9:08 - Final answer: All lies are wrong

Key Topics Covered

- The Nature of White Lies - Why "victimless" lies seem helpful but are still sinful

- Biblical Definition of Lying - The difference between mistakes and intentional false reports

- The Ninth Commandment - What "You shall not bear false witness" means for everyday life

- Ananias and Sapphira's Fatal Mistake - Why God judged them so severely for their "small" lie

- Lying to God, Not Just People - Understanding who we really sin against when we lie

- Relational Pressure and Dishonesty - Why we tell white lies and what it reveals about our hearts

- Truth-Telling Alternatives - Practical ways to handle difficult situations without lying

Scripture References

Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment against false witness

Acts 5:1-11 - The story of Ananias and Sapphira

Acts 5:4 - "You have not lied to men but to God"

About The Ten Commandments Book

Heath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family. Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments

Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Does Abortion Count as Murder? Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

Heath Lambert addresses one of the most critical moral questions of our time: Does abortion violate the sixth commandment against murder? Using biblical and scientific evidence, he provides a clear three-part framework for understanding why the answer is yes.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction and book release celebration

1:47 - The question: Does abortion count as murder?

2:14 - The sixth commandment (Exodus 20:13)

2:42 - Why this explanation matters in today's culture

3:11 - Three ingredients to the answer

3:17 - Ingredient 1: The nature of murder defined

4:53 - Ingredient 2: The nature of babies (biblical and scientific)

6:03 - Ingredient 3: The nature of abortion

7:08 - Final answer: Yes, abortion is murder

Key Topics Covered

- The Sixth Commandment Foundation - Understanding what "You shall not murder" means biblically

- Defining Murder Precisely - Why intentional, innocent, and human are all crucial terms

- Biblical Evidence for Human Life - What Scripture teaches about life at conception

- Scientific Reality - How biology confirms human life begins at fertilization

- Self-Defense and Capital Punishment - Why not all killing constitutes murder

- Cultural Deception - Addressing claims that abortion can be a Christian position

- The Moral Clarity Christians Need - Why believers must understand and articulate this truth

Scripture References

Exodus 20:13 - The Sixth Commandment against murder

Psalm 51:5 - David's acknowledgment of life at conception

About The Ten Commandments Book

Heath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" has been released. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family. Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments

Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Can I Make Fun of My Parents? Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

Is it okay for kids to tease their parents? Pastor Heath Lambert tackles this intriguing question by examining what the fifth commandment teaches about honoring parents while still enjoying family humor. His answer might surprise you: "It depends."

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction and book release announcement (September 30th)

1:36 - The question: Can I make fun of my parents?

2:14 - The fifth commandment challenge (Exodus 20:12)

2:54 - The careful answer: "It depends"

3:18 - Scenario 1: Mutual enjoyment and family fun

4:58 - Pastor Lambert's family example

5:33 - Scenario 2: Good intentions but hurt feelings

6:45 - The "if you're the only one laughing, you're wrong" rule

7:43 - Scenario 3: Making fun with malicious intent

8:25 - What dishonoring parents actually means

9:03 - Final answer: Honor with healthy humor

Key Topics Covered

- The Fifth Commandment Foundation - Understanding what it means to honor father and mother

- Three Scenarios for Family Humor - When teasing is healthy vs. when it crosses the line

- Intent vs. Impact - Why good intentions don't always excuse hurtful humor

- Family Communication - How to navigate humor when feelings get hurt

- The Dishonor Line - Distinguishing between loving laughter and belittling behavior

- Healthy Family Relationships - Building joy and closeness while maintaining respect

Scripture References

Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment about honoring parents

About The Ten Commandments Book

Heath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" releases September 30th. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family.

Pre-order and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments

Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Is Sunday the Sabbath? Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

Many Christians casually refer to Sunday as "the Sabbath day," but is this biblically accurate? Pastor Heath Lambert examines what Scripture actually teaches about the Sabbath and reveals why this common assumption needs correction.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction and physical book reveal

1:36 - The question: Is Sunday the Sabbath day?

2:50 - Why we need Scripture to answer this question

3:04 - The fourth commandment and Sabbath timing (Exodus 20)

3:24 - The Sabbath is on the seventh day (Saturday)

4:02 - Roman influence on day names

4:40 - God's rest on the seventh day

4:55 - New Testament worship patterns

5:20 - What the New Testament calls Sunday

5:36 - The "Lord's Day" in Revelation 1:10

6:04 - Final answer: Sunday is not the Sabbath

Key Topics Covered

- The Fourth Commandment Foundation - Understanding what Exodus 20 teaches about Sabbath timing

- Biblical Day Counting - How the seven-day week originates from Scripture

- Historical Context - Roman influence on modern day names and Saturday's etymology

- Old Testament vs. New Testament - The shift from Sabbath worship to first-day worship

- Terminology Matters - Why the New Testament uses "Lord's Day" instead of "Sabbath" for Sunday

- Common Christian Mistake - Why pastors and authors incorrectly use "Sabbath" for Sunday

Scripture References

Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment and Sabbath day

Revelation 1:10 - The Lord's Day reference

Acts and 1 Corinthians - New Testament worship patterns

About The Ten Commandments Book

Heath Lambert's new book, "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People," releases September 30th. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family.

Pre-order and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments

Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Is the Third Commandment about Cussing? Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Many Christians assume the third commandment, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain," is primarily about using bad language. But Pastor Heath Lambert reveals the deeper biblical meaning behind this sacred command and explains why it's about much more than cursing.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction and new book announcement

1:55 - The question: Is the third commandment about cursing?

2:09 - What the third commandment actually says (Exodus 20:7)

2:40 - Common misconceptions about breaking this commandment

3:07 - The real meaning: misusing God's name vs cursing

3:39 - Why the third commandment is primarily about something deeper

4:13 - Biblical view on cursing and foul language (Ephesians 5:4)

4:54 - Multiple ways to violate the third commandment

Key Topics Covered

- The Text of the Third Commandment - Understanding what Exodus 20:7 actually teaches about God's name

- Common Misunderstanding - Why many people think this commandment is only about profanity

- The Real Issue: Vain Use of God's Name - How we empty God's name of its intrinsic weight and importance

- Cursing and the Bible - What Scripture teaches about foul language and crude talk

- Multiple Violations - The many ways people can misuse God's sacred name beyond profanity

- Proper Reverence - How to honor God's name in our daily speech and worship

Scripture References

Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment

Ephesians 5:4 - Instructions about speech and crude talk

About The Ten Commandments Book

Pre-order the book or get your free download of the first chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments

Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Are Pictures of Jesus Wrong? Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

With pictures of Jesus everywhere - from children's Bibles to church walls to Christmas pageants - many Christians wonder if these images violate the second commandment. Pastor Heath Lambert explains what the Bible really teaches about divine images and when they become problematic.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction and new book announcement

1:29 - The question: Are pictures of Jesus wrong?

1:56 - The second commandment explained (Exodus 20:4-6)

2:50 - The incarnation factor: Jesus as the image of God

3:43 - Why we can't see Jesus physically now

4:13 - What the second commandment actually prohibits

4:53 - The difference between making images and worshiping them

5:35 - The key issue: worship vs. artwork

6:13 - Practical application: Pictures, movies, and TV shows

6:48 - Prioritizing Scripture over images

Key Topics Covered

- The Second Commandment's True Meaning - Understanding what Exodus 20:4-6 actually forbids about divine images

- The Incarnation Challenge - How Jesus as "the image of the invisible God" affects our understanding

- Act vs. Intent - Why the commandment focuses on worship, not artistic creation

- Artwork vs. Idolatry - The crucial distinction between making images and bowing down to them

- Practical Guidelines - How to approach pictures of Jesus in children's books, movies, and church art

- Scripture Supremacy - Why God's written word must take precedence over any visual representation

Scripture References

Exodus 20:4-6 - The Second Commandment

Colossians 1:15 - Jesus as the image of the invisible God

About The Ten Commandments Book

Pre-order the book or get your free download of the first chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments

Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

The Biggest Sin Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Ever wondered what the Bible says about the worst sin you could commit? Pastor Heath Lambert tackles this challenging question by examining Jesus's response about the greatest commandment in Matthew 22. The answer might surprise you - it's not what most people think.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction and new book announcement

1:49 - The question: What is the biggest sin?

2:39 - Jesus and the greatest commandment (Matthew 22)

4:31 - Connecting commandments to sin

5:36 - Pride as the biggest sin

6:07 - James 3:16 and the fruit of pride

7:00 - Jesus as our freedom from pride

Key Topics Covered

- The Greatest Commandment Foundation - Jesus identifies love as the supreme biblical command when challenged by religious lawyers

- Biblical Method for Understanding Sin - How to approach difficult theological questions by examining what Scripture emphasizes most

- Pride as the Root Sin - Why self-exaltation stands as the fundamental violation of God's law and love

- The Connection Between Love and Sin - Understanding how the greatest commandment reveals the greatest transgression

- Practical Application - How recognizing pride helps us grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ

Scripture References

Matthew 22:36-39 - The Greatest Commandment

James 3:16 - Pride and its consequences

About The Ten Commandments Book

Pre-order the book or get your free download of the first chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments

Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Does Disciplining Your Child Harm Your Relationship? Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Will disciplining children for tantrums and outbursts damage their willingness to share feelings and communicate openly? Discover four biblical principles that show how proper discipline actually strengthens rather than harms parent-child relationships.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introduction: The Heart of a Torn Parent

1:09 - The Core Question About Discipline and Relationship

1:33 - Principle 1: Spankings Are Not the Only Thing We Do

2:57 - Principle 2: Spankings Are for Sin, Not Feelings

3:31 - Clarifying What We Punish vs. What We Discuss

4:21 - Teaching Children to Identify Their Sin

5:15 - Principle 3: Discipline Is Parental Obedience to God

5:39 - Proverbs 13:24 - Love Disciplines Diligently

6:31 - Building Character Through Parental Integrity

6:57 - Principle 4: Spanking Is Not the Last Step

7:45 - The Lambert House Rule: Don't Leave Angry

8:22 - Ending Discipline with Prayer, Grace, and Restoration

8:44 - When Discipline Goes Wrong vs. Right

MAIN POINTS

- Spankings Are Not the Only Thing We Do

Physical correction should be a very small percentage of overall parenting time. Parents who discipline have earned that right through much larger investments of positive relationship building. - Discipline is placed within a broader context of love and care throughout daily life.

- Spankings Are for Sin, Not Feelings or Preferences

Children should never be punished for having feelings, needing to talk, or making mistakes. - Discipline is specifically for sin - violations of God's law. Parents must clearly communicate the difference between emotions that need discussion and sinful behaviors that require correction.

- Discipline Is Parental Obedience That Models Integrity

Following Proverbs 13:24, parents demonstrate love through diligent discipline. This shows children that parents have integrity and follow God's commands, building rather than undermining confidence in the parent-child relationship over a lifetime.

- Discipline Should End with Restoration, Not Anger

The Lambert house rule was to never leave discipline sessions angry. After confession, forgiveness, and correction, the process should end with prayer, grace, and often laughter and affection. The goal is restoring the relationship broken by sin through faithfulness to God's Word.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

Primary Passages:

Proverbs 13:24 - Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him

Supporting Context:

Proverbs 22:15 - Folly is bound up in the heart of a child

Proverbs 23:13-14 - Do not withhold discipline from a child

Hebrews 12:5-11 - God disciplines those he loves

Ephesians 6:1-4 - Children obey parents; fathers don't provoke to anger

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching children diligently

Colossians 3:21 - Fathers, do not embitter your children

Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Should Women Be Allowed to Vote? Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Pastor Heath Lambert tackles the controversial question of women's voting rights from a biblical worldview. In this episode, he addresses whether Christians should believe women should lose the right to vote based on male headship principles. Lambert provides clear biblical reasoning on government, voting rights, and how Christian families can maintain unity and biblical leadership while still allowing women to participate in democracy. This thoughtful analysis separates biblical mandates from cultural preferences and offers practical wisdom for Christian families navigating political participation.

Key Timestamps

0:13 - Question introduction: Should women be allowed to vote?

2:02 - Biblical perspective on voting and government

3:16 - Examples of biblical leadership (judges and kings)

4:14 - Why voting isn't mandated or forbidden in Scripture

5:53 - Reality check: Women's voting rights aren't going away

6:31 - Why women should retain voting rights

7:48 - Problems with male-only voting in a fallen world

8:32 - How Christian families can vote with unity and leadership

Key Points

- Voting is Extra-Biblical: The Bible doesn't mandate or forbid voting systems. Biblical examples show righteous government through judges and kings, not democratic processes.

- Scripture Silence Means Freedom: Since the Bible doesn't specify voting requirements, Christians have freedom in how voting systems operate.

- Male Headship Doesn't Equal Vote Monopoly: Biblical male leadership in the home doesn't logically require removing women's voting rights.

- Fallen World Considerations: Single women, widows, and women in ungodly marriages would be left without representation under male-only voting.

- Unity Through Leadership, Not Restriction: Christian families can maintain biblical unity and male leadership while still allowing all members to vote.

- Practical Family Example: Families can discuss issues biblically, pray together, and reach unified voting decisions without eliminating anyone's right to participate.

Scripture References

Romans 13:1-7 - "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God... For the one in authority is God's servant for your good."

Biblical Examples of Leadership:

Judges 13-16 - Samson's leadership period

Judges 6-8 - Gideon raised up as judge over Israel

1 Samuel 8-31 - Establishment and history of Israel's monarchy

Judges 2:16 - "Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders"

Ephesians 5:23 - "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church"

1 Timothy 3:4-5 - Regarding household leadership and church governance

Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

The Temptation of Jesus Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Pastor Heath Lambert tackles a crucial theological question: Was Jesus tempted, and what does that mean? Discover the difference between external and internal temptation, and how understanding these distinctions helps us comprehend how Jesus could be "tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin."

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introduction: The Question About Jesus' Temptation

0:49 - What Is Temptation? The Basic Question

1:32 - Type 1: External Temptation (Tempting Situations)

1:40 - Example: Stack of $100 Bills in Empty Room

2:27 - Type 2: Internal Temptation (Spiritual Corruption)

2:42 - James 1:14: Lured and Enticed by Own Desire

3:45 - How External and Internal Temptations Connect

4:00 - Personal Examples: Tofu Salad vs. Blueberry Muffin

4:25 - The Key Difference: Situational vs. Spiritual

4:53 - Jesus Was Tempted: Matthew 4:1 Evidence

5:15 - Hebrews 4:15: Tempted in Every Way, Yet Without Sin

6:01 - James 1:13: God Cannot Be Tempted with Evil

6:19 - The Solution: Two Kinds of Temptation Applied to Jesus

7:00 - How Jesus Faced External Without Internal Corruption

MAIN POINTS

- Two Kinds of Temptation

External temptation consists of tempting situations or circumstances (like finding money when alone), while internal temptation involves corrupt cravings and sinister desires within the heart. External temptation becomes spiritually significant only when it meets internal corruption.

- External Temptation Is Situational, Not Necessarily Sinful

Being in a potentially tempting situation isn't inherently wrong. The sinfulness comes from the internal response - the corrupt desire that matches up with the external opportunity. Different people are tempted by different external circumstances based on their internal desires.

- Jesus Faced All External Temptations

Scripture clearly states that Jesus was "tempted in every way as we are" (Hebrews 4:15) and was "led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil" (Matthew 4:1). Every potentially tempting situation that exists confronted Jesus during His earthly ministry.

- Jesus Had No Internal Corruption

Though Jesus faced all external temptations, He had no internal corruption or sinful desires to match them. His heart was always trusting in the Lord and wanting to do righteousness. This is why He could be tempted externally yet remain "without sin" - there was no internal spiritual corruption to respond to the external circumstances.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

Primary Passages:

Matthew 4:1 - Jesus led into wilderness to be tempted

Hebrews 4:15 - Tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin

James 1:13-14 - God cannot be tempted; each person tempted by own desire

Supporting Context:

James 1:13 - Let no one say when tempted, "I am being tempted by God"

James 1:14 - Each person is lured and enticed by his own desire

1 John 2:16 - The desires of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life

1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation beyond what you can bear

Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com