In this follow-up episode, pastors John Bailey and Lee Shipp continue their discussion on the transformative power of God's grace. They explore how a proper understanding of grace leads to a genuine pursuit of holiness, not through legalistic means, but through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. Discover how the gospel message encompasses both the unmerited favor of God and the call to righteous living and learn practical ways to foster a church culture that embraces this biblical balance.
Key Points from the Podcast
• Pastor Lee Shipp and Pastor John Bailey revisit the topic of grace and delve into its relationship with holiness and righteousness.
• They discuss the importance of defining grace accurately, not merely as overlooking sin, but as God's divine influence on the soul that leads to salvation and transformation.
• The conversation emphasizes that true holiness is a result of God's grace at work in a believer's life, not a product of human effort or legalism.
• Pastor Lee stresses the need for pastors to preach both the grace of God and the call to holy living, as neglecting either aspect leads to an incomplete gospel message.
• The discussion addresses the practical challenges of dealing with sin in the church, highlighting the importance of approaching such situations with a heart of love, redemption, and restoration.
• Pastor John and Pastor Lee examine the Apostle Paul's writings, noting how he balances the message of grace with the need for righteous living and church discipline when necessary.
• They emphasize that a genuine understanding of sin's depth and God's grace leads to true repentance and a transformed life.
• The episode concludes with the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit to guide believers into all truth, produce holiness, and conform them to the image of Christ.
Bible Verses Referenced in the Podcast
Titus 2:11-14, 2 Corinthians 3, 1 Corinthians 5–6, 2 Corinthians 2, Hebrews 12
About Lee Ship
Pastor Lee Shipp is the founder and pastor of First New Testament Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With a ministry spanning over thirty years, Pastor Shipp has been dedicated to ministering God's Word through the power of the Holy Spirit. His approach to leadership is characterized by a deep devotion to his Savior and a profound love for the scriptures. Under his guidance, First New Testament Church has become a vibrant community of believers, deeply rooted in the grace and love of Christ. Pastor Shipp's ministry extends beyond his local church, as he has also been involved in teaching and preaching around the world through conferences, camp meetings, and revivals, sharing the transformative power of God's grace and encouraging believers to live a life fully surrendered to Jesus.
About John Bailey
Pastor John Bailey is the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at World Challenge. After giving his life to Christ in the Tampa City jail, John felt that the Lord placed in him a great hunger to know Christ and study God’s Word. John spent 12 years discipling young leaders and was then called to pastor and evangelize in Western Europe for 10 years.
In 2011, John, his wife, Crista, and two children returned to Jacksonville, Florida to plant The Springs Church. After over a decade of ministry in Jacksonville, John was invited by Gary Wilkerson to come and serve at World Challenge. Today, John gives vision and direction to World Challenge as well as serving as a keynote speaker, author and conference speaker. His life’s purpose is to seek a genuine awakening of God’s Spirit in America and around the world.
