Miracles Pt. 2 - Word Study (Kind Of) In this follow-up episode, we continue our conversation on miracles—this time digging into the original Greek words used in Scripture. What do dynamis, semeion, and teras reveal about the nature and purpose of miracles? We explore the healing of a leper as recorded in three of the four Gospels, and what that moment tells us about Jesus’ authority, compassion, and divine power. Plus, we touch on the concept of Markan Priority and how it shapes our understanding of the Gospel accounts—and Ben shares his own working definition of what truly makes something a miracle.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating and often misunderstood world of miracles. What exactly qualifies as a miracle? Is it simply something beyond human ability, or does it require divine intervention? We wrestle with definitions, explore biblical context, and even get a little help from Google Gemini. From Jesus giving sight to the blind to Mr. Beast gifting Lasik eye surgery to 100 people—what’s the difference between compassion and a miracle? And is winning the lottery just luck... or something more? Join us for this honest conversation that blurs the line between the extraordinary and the divine. Plus, we wrap up with a teaser: in two weeks, we’ll return with a word study on the Greek term for “miracle” and a deeper look at the miracles of Jesus.

Whether you're new to an area, a new believer looking for a church home, or something has you seeking a new place to worship. How do you decide where to go? Do you ask a friend for recommendations, do a quick Google search and go down the list, or research local church websites to compare their beliefs, values, worship style, and kids' programs? 

The execution—was it murder, sacrifice, or something more? In Part 2 of The Case of a Crucified King, we explore the depths of what Jesus endured in His final hours. From the agony of the Garden of Gethsemane to the brutality of His flogging, the weight of the cross, and the pain of crucifixion, we walk through each moment of His suffering. We reflect on the humanity of His experience, including His powerful words from the cross—entrusting His mother to John, and expressing both anguish and surrender. Along the way, we look at Isaiah 53 and the prophetic image of the Suffering Servant, as well as insights from Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ and the Star of Bethlehem documentary. Finally, we unpack the extraordinary signs following Jesus’ death—earthquakes, torn veils, opened tombs, and the resurrection that changed everything. Join us as we ask the ultimate question: Was this simply an execution… or the greatest act of love the world has ever known?

Part 1: The Arrest and the Trial Jerusalem, 33 A.D.—a man is condemned, but was it justice? In this special true crime themed episode of Grace in the Gray, it is the gripping first installment of our two-part Easter series. We investigate the arrest and trial of Jesus of Nazareth. Was He a dangerous revolutionary or a misunderstood teacher? Who orchestrated His downfall—and why? Join us as we peel back the layers of history and theology to explore: Why Jesus was seen as a threat to both religious and political powers The motives of the religious elite and the role of Roman authority Whether the trial met legal standards—or if it was doomed from the start And the deeper spiritual question: Did Jesus choose the cross? This is more than a history lesson—this is a true story that still echoes today.

🎙️ In this episode of Grace in the Gray, we dive into a gray area that might surprise you: the church’s history in founding healthcare and education systems. Did the church get pushed out, or did it step back on its own? And what does that mean for us today? We’ll talk about practical ways to step in and serve—like volunteering at health clinics, supporting free healthcare, or helping out with after-school programs. Let’s explore how our faith can make a real difference in these important parts of our community.

In this episode, we talk about discovering our Spiritual Gifts—those unique abilities given to us to serve and uplift others. We share insights from a Spiritual Gifts Inventory, exploring our individual results and reflecting on how these gifts shape our lives and our purpose. 

As Christians, how should we respond to the sins of non-believers? Should all sins be treated equally, or do some carry more weight? In this episode of Grace in the Gray, we wrestle with these tough questions—exploring historical examples like Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s resistance to Hitler, the tension between morality and justice, and why certain sins seem to stir up more passion than others. We’ll also discuss how personal struggles shape our ability to help others, why the gospel isn’t about behavior reform, and what it truly means to live in a way that points others to Christ. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about truth, grace, and navigating the gray areas of culture. Scripture References Helping others from where we have been healed: Jesus heals Peter's Mother-in-Law in Matthew 8:14-15

In this episode, we dive into the challenge many of us face today: How can we be welcoming to the world around us while still holding firm to the call for personal holiness? We explore the tension between embracing all people and maintaining the integrity of our faith. How can we be a people that […]

What's Your Preference: Traditional or Contemporary? Rick, James, and Ben discuss how to remain faithful to the unchanging truths of the gospel while being culturally sensitive and accessible. The pendulum they describe swings between two extremes: on one side, rigid traditionalism that can alienate people by emphasizing rules or appearances over substance; on the other, a hyper-contemporary approach that risks sacrificing depth for relevance. What is this balance we’re all trying to figure out? Holding on to the sacredness of what’s been passed down to us while connecting with a world that often pushes back against the whole idea of sacredness. That’s where words, symbols, and sacraments really come alive—not as random or outdated traditions, but as meaningful ways to understand and experience the fullness and magnitude of Christ.

The guys discuss “churchy” words and the role they play in our mission. Scripture references: A tenth: Deuteronomy 14:22-23 “Bring your tithes…” Malachi 3:10

Now and then, the team goes down a rabbit hole, and it's captured as an episode. This is one of those times. Ben has the idea, possibly a stance (listen to find out), that the Holy Spirit testifies to one thing and one thing only: Christ crucified and resurrected.  Scripture Reference: Peter and Cornelius  

Why did God speak through angels to the shepherds, those who were on the fringe of culture, instead of announcing Jesus' birth to the religious elite or political leaders? How does this reveal God's character to us?  Love the podcast? Follow the show so you’ll never miss an episode. If you leave a review, more people will hear about Grace in the Gray. Thoughts on this episode? DM us on Instagram.

Love the podcast? Follow the show so you’ll never miss an episode. If you leave a review, more people will hear about Grace in the Gray. Thoughts on this episode? DM us on Instagram @graceinthegraypodcast

In this episode of Grace in the Gray, Sam, Rick, Ben and James are back. It's not quite Thanksgiving yet, but we can't wait to talk about the hope of Christmas. What better way to crank up the cheer than to talk about Old Testament Prophecy?! Don't worry, as always, it's a fun conversation and you might just learn something new.  Definitions protevangelium prot·​evan·​gel·​i·​um ˌprōtˌēˌvanˈjelēəm plural-s : a messianic interpretation of a text (as Genesis 3:15 Revised Standard Version) presaging man's ultimate triumph over sin through a coming Savior —used as the first anticipation of the gospel Type Clarence Larkin, Chapter 28: Types and Antitypes  A "Type" then is some "person," or "event," or "ceremony" that is recorded to "foreshadow" some future "person," or "event," or "ceremony." For illustration- TYPICAL PERSONS, like Adam, Cain, Abel, Melchizedek, Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Jonah. TYPICAL EVENTS, like the "Flood," the "Plagues of Egypt," the "Passover," the "Brazen Serpent," "Crossing the Jordan," "Cities of Refuge." TYPICAL CEREMONIES, like the "Offerings," "Ceremonial Cleansing," "Feasts," "Year of Jubilee," "Day of Atonement." Old Testament Prophecies Discussed and Scripture References The Suffering Servant Isaiah 53  "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19  "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”  Genesis 3:15 (This is the protevangelium that Ben mentioned) "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Matthew 11:15  Love the podcast? Follow the show so you’ll never miss an episode. If you leave a review, more people will hear about Grace in the Gray. Thoughts on this episode? DM us on Instagram. Christ the True and Better: https://youtu.be/Jcl6WSNVcHM?si=JcJ5xqu9Si_fKma2

In this episode of Grace in the Gray, hosts Sam, Rick, and Ben dive deep into the challenges of returning to a faith community after being hurt. They explore the impact of grudges, how to approach conflict resolution with an open heart, and the importance of preparing for those tough conversations. The trio also discusses how our perceptions of others can be shaped by our own experiences and how crucial it is to approach conflicts from a neutral baseline—often with prayer as a guiding tool. Whether you're struggling to reconnect with your faith or seeking ways to resolve tension within your community, this episode offers practical advice and heartfelt insights to help you take the first step. Groups in the Gray – Groups Start Wednesday, October 23rd Love the podcast? Follow the show so you’ll never miss an episode. If you leave a review, more people will hear about Grace in the Gray. Thoughts on this episode? DM us on Instagram @graceinthegraypodcast

Either you've been hurt by the church, or you haven't been hurt by the church (yet). Isn't that encouraging? This episode isn't all gloom and doom, but it is an exploration of how deeply the church, or the people of the church, can hurt us.  Matthew 18: Jesus' Conflict Resolution  Machiavellianism is a personality trait that emphasizes interpersonal manipulation as a means to justify the ends. Machiavellians use conscious calculation instead of morality and virtue to persuade and control others. It is a personality attribute that, along with psychopathy and narcissism, makes up the Dark Triad.  Groups in the Gray – Groups Start Wednesday, October 23rd Love the podcast? Follow the show so you’ll never miss an episode. If you leave a review, more people will hear about Grace in the Gray. Thoughts on this episode? DM us on Instagram.

We couldn't get to episode 31 without taking a look back. What were our favorite moments from the past year and a half? Surely we'll hit one of your favorite moments and hopefully bring out some laughter.  Groups in the Gray - Groups Start Wednesday, October 23rd Love the podcast? Follow the show so you’ll never miss an episode. If you leave a review, more people will hear about Grace in the Gray. Thoughts on this episode? DM us on Instagram.

For our 30th episode, we're going back to our roots of taking on a trending topic. Based on our investigation, the term DINK has been around for nearly a decade, but lately, DinkTok has taken off. No clue what a DINK is? Don't worry, we'll explain.  Thoughts on this episode? DM us on Instagram.

Feeling overwhelmed by choices? From career moves to dinner plans, this episode dives into navigating even the trickiest decisions. We'll explore practical tips for navigating uncertainty and identifying the most fulfilling, God-honoring path. Join us for a discussion that will equip you to make choices with confidence. Scripture References: Genesis 25- Jacob & Esau Love the podcast? Follow the show so you’ll never miss an episode. If you leave a review, more people will hear about Grace in the Gray Follow us on Instagram.