In this episode, Mark and Molly are joined by Brian Urbanek of GoldWing Productions to discuss the new Jesus Is Enough initiative.

Learn more and support the Jesus Is Enough efforts by visiting tilm.org/jie.

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Mark and Molly discuss 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

1 and 2 Thessalonians, authored by the apostle Paul during his missionary journeys, provide a peek at the experiences of the early Christian church and offer insights into how believers are to navigate life with an eternal perspective. These epistles are tenderly addressed to the devout Christian community in Thessalonica, a vibrant Macedonian city.

Paul wrote his letters to the Thessalonian believers around A.D. 50/51, likely from Corinth. After being forced to abruptly leave Thessalonica due to intense persecution (Acts 17:1-10), Paul continued instructing these new believers on how to live their lives in light of eternity.

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In 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10, we encounter strong imagery of judgment. But within this passage lies a message of hope and salvation.

Paul speaks of those "who do not know God" and those who "do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus."

Obedience to the gospel means trusting in Jesus and his forgiveness, and believing that through him, we are made right before God. On the day of judgment, our safety rests on our trust in the one who fulfilled the law for us.

Our refuge on that day isn't our efforts but our faith in Jesus Christ. Trusting in him is our hope, and it is through this trust that we find salvation and are spared from the judgment to come.

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Jon and Molly discuss Colossians 1–4.

If ever there was a book that said, "Jesus is enough," it would be Colossians. Paul confronts a heresy in the Colossian congregation that added to Christ, offering greater "fullness," "perfection," and "knowledge." He helps the reader see how all these things are already found in Christ. Paul also unpacks the transformational new identity, new life, and new victory found in Christ.

Key Themes

• The person of Christ and his supremacy
• The work of Christ and its fullness
• The weakness of law motivation
• The power of Christ in us
• The power of prayer in your witness

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Have you ever noticed how rules have a way of making you want something even more? For example, if someone tells me not to eat chocolate, suddenly all I can think of is where can I find some chocolate! You know what I mean?

Now, what if you were given a taste of a food that was so good that, by comparison, made chocolate taste terrible? And what if, you were given an unending supply that never ran out? Now, that would be a way I might never eat chocolate again!

I was thinking about that picture as I was reading Colossians this week. He repeatedly emphasizes how Christ is God's most amazing gift to us and all of the blessings that are now ours through him. It came alive for me when it said to "continue in him, rooted and built up in him" (2:6–7). The way to get the best God has to offer is to fill up on the best gift he's given, Christ.

Instead of fear for what I might be missing, Christ fills us with thankfulness for everything we already have in him, like forgiveness (1:14) and peace (1:20). An overflowing heart filled with the best gifts is a heart changed from the inside that doesn't worry about missing out on anything else.

For the record, I'm not making any promises about chocolate; I think it's one of those special gifts from God. But it's got me thinking I really want to fill my heart up with Jesus and all the gifts that come with him!

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Jon and Molly discuss Philippians 1–4.

Many are surprised that Philippians, one of Paul’s prison letters, has a central theme of joy. Despite the crosses Paul faced, his faith in Christ brought him joy. The friendly, positive tone of this letter demonstrates the close, personal bond Paul had with the Philippians.

As we study Philippians, we’ll clarify a number of often misunderstood statements that, when God is recognized as the active agent, are understood in more profound ways.

Key Themes

• A gospel perspective
• Christ as substitute before Christ as example
• "Work out Your salvation" (2:12–13)
• Boasting in Christ
• Joy in all circumstances
• "I can do all things..." (4:13)

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Have you ever considered all the efforts people make trying to impress others? It's amazing how many industries are focused on helping people improve their appearances!

It got me thinking. If people go to those lengths to impress other people, what lengths do people go to gain God's favor?

I was reading in Philippians 3 about Paul's list. He had the lineage, the ritual, the rank. Humanly speaking, he had a bragging list that would far exceed most people. What's most shocking is, he threw it all away. He describes his efforts to gain his own righteousness as "dung." It was repulsive.

He completely abandons his list of accomplishments and says all he needs is Jesus. He finds his "surpassing worth," his "righteousness," in the saving work of Christ's death and resurrection. He said all he needs is to know Jesus and to be found in him.

I found it so refreshing, freeing even. Realizing that favor with God, something people so desperately yearn for, has already been won for us, changes everything. Instead of worrying about my own to-do list, my eyes are focused on the list he's already checked off. No more need to impress. Jesus is enough.

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Mark and Molly discuss Ephesians 1-6.

Sent to the Christians in Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor, this letter offers a distinctive angle among Paul's writings. Unlike many of his other epistles, such as Galatians or Corinthians, which directly counter false teachings, Ephesians strengthens believers by emphasizing positive theological truths and practical advice.

This episode dives into five major themes.

1. Identity in Christ
2. Unity in the Body of Christ
3. Christian Living
4. Household Codes
5. Spiritual Warfare

In sum, the book of Ephesians might not directly confront false doctrines, but its enriching teachings on unity, identity in Christ, and the practical implications of the Gospel fortify believers' faith, acting as a solid bulwark against potential misinterpretations or divisive influences.

Mark and Molly discussed The Four Key Concepts in Ephesians 2; check out more resources here and here.

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"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins... But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved... For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Picture a child struggling in deep waters, desperately gasping for breath, arms flailing, trying to stay afloat. A lifeguard notices the peril and dashes to the rescue. But imagine if, midway, the lifeguard halts and hollers, "I've brought you this far; now it’s up to you to swim the rest!" Such a scenario is unthinkable. When someone is drowning, they don't need partial help; they need complete rescue.

This scenario parallels the spiritual condition depicted in Ephesians 2. We were metaphorically drowning in our transgressions, powerless to save ourselves. But God, in his immense love and mercy, didn't provide just partial assistance. He made us alive with Christ, pulling us entirely out of our dire state.

Much like a drowning individual leans entirely on the lifeguard for salvation, our spiritual rescue is solely through God's grace. It’s not something we can achieve or earn; it’s a divine gift. God doesn't say, "I've done my part; now you finish the rest." He saves us wholly, ensuring our place in his eternal embrace.

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Mark and Molly discuss Galatians 1-6.

Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a passionate defense of the true gospel against early distortions. The Galatian churches, established by Paul, were influenced by certain Jewish Christians known as Judaizers. These false teachers claimed Gentiles needed to be circumcised and follow Mosaic Law to be true Christians.

As we study Galatians, we’ll examine Paul’s skillful arguments against the Judaizers and his emphatic defense of justification by faith.

Key Themes

• Justification by faith vs. salvation by works
• Freedom from the law’s demands
• The contrast between law and grace, deeds and faith, the flesh and Spirit
• Identity in Christ: adopted children and heirs
• Unity of believers in Christ
• The danger of distorting the true gospel

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If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.

Click here to download a short Bible Study outline to share with your Mormon friends, family, and missionaries. Click here to download a much longer Bible study outline for a more in-depth study.

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In Galatians 3:10, Paul writes, "For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.'"

This verse is a sobering reminder that we cannot be saved by our own works. The law is good, but it is also impossible to keep perfectly. We all fall short, and as a result, we are under the curse of the law.

The curse of the law is not a physical curse but a spiritual one. It is the separation from God that comes from our sin. We are cut off from his blessing and his favor.

But there is good news! Jesus came to break the curse of the law. He lived a perfect life and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. When we put our trust in Jesus, we are forgiven, and we are brought into a right relationship with God.

So, if you are feeling burdened by the law, or if you feel like you can never measure up, remember that Jesus has already done it for you. He has taken the curse upon himself so that you can be free.

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Jon and Molly discuss 2 Corinthians 8–13.

This podcast episode covers the following:

2 Corinthians 8–13

• Excel in the grace of giving
• An "out of this world" witnessing weapon
• What it means to belong to Christ
• Strength in weakness

Key concepts in this episode include:

• The directional nature of grace
• Happiness v. joy
• God's generosity: "his indescribable gift"
• Differences matter
  • Another Jesus
  • Different Spirit
  • Different gospel
• God's intent in hardship

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If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.

Click here to download a Bible Study outline to share with your Mormon friends, family, and missionaries.

Click here for the "Are Mormons Christian?" resource, which details the dramatic differences between Mormonism and biblical Christianity along with the eternal consequences involved.

God intends his grace to overflow in us and bless others. To help even more souls discover grace in Jesus, give today at tilm.org/give.

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Have you ever thought about hardship as a blessing from God? James 1 says to consider trial "pure joy." That concept seems so counterintuitive. I can't imagine anyone praying to fall on hard times.

I've always considered the goal was just to make me stronger. But I was struck recently when I read about Paul's thorn in the flesh in 2 Corinthians 12. It gave me a whole new perspective. He starts out, "to keep me from becoming conceited..." (12:7). It's clear it's not about me at all.

Then, quoting Jesus, Paul says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (12:9). He doesn't say our power becomes greater. He says his power shines brightest in our weakness. The more we acknowledge our weaknesses, the more we will come to rely on God's power, the source of true strength.

This has got me thinking about hardship in a whole new way. Instead of seeing a harsh god who presses people down with hardship, I've come to see a loving God who invites me to seek refuge in him and lean on his strength. Doesn't that change the way we can, with James, see trials as "pure joy?"

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Jon and Molly discuss 2 Corinthians 1–7.

This podcast episode covers the following:

2 Corinthians 1–7

• God's promises are "yes" in Christ
• Contrasting the Old Covenant and New Covenant
• The treasure of the gospel is shared through jars of clay
• Two key "R" words: reconciliation and repentance

Key concepts in this episode include:

• A broad view of "law" when used in the New Testament
• Tenses matter. Note when God is the active agent
• The gospel message is embedded with the power to believe it
• Worldly sorrow v. Godly sorrow
• Why Christian witnesses are "smelly"

Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!

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If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.

Click here to download a Bible Study outline to share with your Mormon friends, family, and missionaries.

Click here for an article or here for a video you can share to show how Jesus is our substitute, both by living and dying for us.

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I was reading in 2 Corinthians this week and was fascinated by the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. The Old Covenant was a two-sided agreement emphasizing "do!" or "don't do!" Unfortunately, the people could never hold up their end, so it didn't work.

I did some study and discovered that the word used for the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6) is the same word used for a last will and testament. Like an inheritance, the New Covenant is a one-sided promise based on what Christ has done for us.

If we were still under the Old Covenant and had to approach God by means of our obedience to the law, it would be terrifying. No wonder it was a fading glory that brought death (2 Corinthians 3:7). What a difference the New Covenant makes. It brings lasting glory and freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Old Covenant vs. New Covenant; do! vs. done! How blessed we are to be able to stand through faith on Christ's record for us!