Episode 8: The Secret to Contentment – A Conversation with Mark Lydecker
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Release Date: 12/02/2024
Episode 35: Shepherd the Flock – Leading with Conviction and Compassion
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 35: Shepherd the Flock – Leading with Conviction and Compassion In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon unpack Paul’s heartfelt farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:26–38. In it, Paul outlines five qualities of faithful church leadership: proclaiming the truth, protecting the flock, prioritizing God’s Word, practicing selfless service, and forming deep personal bonds. But this isn’t just a message for pastors and elders. It’s a challenge for every believer to live with integrity, intentionality, and purpose in the body of Christ. Together, Matt...
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Episode 34: Run the Race – Living with Purpose, Finishing with Faith
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 34: Run the Race – Living with Purpose, Finishing with Faith In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon dive into Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20—a passage rich with urgency, humility, and purpose. Using the metaphor of running a race, Paul reflects on what it means to live a faithful life, even when the journey is hard. Together, they unpack five key traits of a life well lived: commitment to community, humility, gospel-centeredness, sensitivity to the Spirit, and living for a purpose beyond self. They also explore how modern...
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Episode 33: Faith That Stirs the City – Living Boldly in a Comfortable World
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 33: Faith That Stirs the City – Living Boldly in a Comfortable World In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt is joined again by elder Mike Davis to unpack the second half of Acts 19, where Paul’s preaching in Ephesus creates not just revival—but resistance. As the gospel spreads, it begins to disrupt the city’s economy, values, and idols, ultimately sparking a riot led by Demetrius the silversmith. Matt and Mike reflect on what it means to live faithfully in a culture that often prizes comfort over conviction. Together, they explore: Why true Christianity is always...
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Episode 32: Faith That Disrupts – Living Changed in a Comfortable World
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 32: Faith That Disrupts – Living Changed in a Comfortable World In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt is joined by Gracehills elder Mike Davis to reflect on Paul’s ministry in Ephesus from Acts 19. From public repentance and burned scrolls to cultural upheaval, this passage reveals the kind of faith that doesn't just sit quietly—it transforms lives and challenges norms. Mike and Matt explore how the gospel calls believers out of comfort and into bold obedience, asking hard questions like: Are we truly following Jesus or just borrowing His name? What idols—old or...
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Episode 31: Almost Right – Why Discipleship Matters More Than You Think
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 31: Almost Right – Why Discipleship Matters More Than You Think In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon dive into Acts 18 and 19 to explore a critical truth: salvation is not the finish line—it’s the starting point of a life of discipleship. Through the examples of Apollos and the disciples of John the Baptist, we see how being almost right in our beliefs can still lead us far from where God wants us to be. They discuss: Why sincere belief isn’t the same as saving faith How spiritual confusion shows up in everyday life Building a discipleship culture...
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Episode 30: Strength for the Weary – How God Meets Us When We Want to Quit
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 30: Strength for the Weary – How God Meets Us When We Want to Quit In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon walk through Acts 18, where Paul—worn down and discouraged in Corinth—experiences God’s providential strength through people, promises, progress, and protection. This conversation unpacks how God shows up when we feel like giving up and reminds us that if we’re still breathing, we still have a mission. Together, they explore: Why Christian community is essential in seasons of discouragement What it means to find purpose in mundane work, painful...
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Episode 29: The Unknown God – Engaging Culture Without Compromising Truth
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 29: The Unknown God – Engaging Culture Without Compromising Truth In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon explore Paul’s bold encounter with the people of Athens in Acts 17:16–34. Surrounded by idols and spiritual confusion, Paul steps into the cultural heart of the city—not with condemnation, but with compassion and clarity. They discuss how modern believers can follow Paul’s example by engaging a skeptical world thoughtfully, recognizing the “unknown gods” of our time—from comfort and politics to status and control. The conversation also tackles...
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Episode 28 – Boldness, Opposition, and the Berean Spirit
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 28 – Boldness, Opposition, and the Berean Spirit In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon explore Acts 17:1–15, where Paul and Silas continue their missionary journey through Thessalonica and Berea. They face strong opposition—but also find people eager to hear and examine the Scriptures. What do we do when truth is met with hostility? How do we maintain boldness without arrogance? And what can we learn from the Bereans, who listened eagerly and searched the Scriptures daily to discern what was true? This episode challenges us to be people of the Word—bold...
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Episode 27: Worship in the Chains – When the Mission Doesn’t Go as Planned
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 27: Worship in the Chains – When the Mission Doesn’t Go as Planned In this powerful episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon take a deeper look at Acts 16, where Paul and Silas find themselves beaten, imprisoned, and seemingly stuck—yet still worshiping. This conversation unpacks how God often does His greatest work through our hardest moments and how what feels like a setback may actually be the beginning of your most impactful ministry. Together, they explore: Why God allows closed doors and detours How to worship when everything feels like it’s falling apart ...
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Episode 26: Conflict & Calling – When the Mission Gets Messy
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 26: Conflict & Calling – When the Mission Gets Messy In this powerful episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon unpack Acts 15–16, where conflict and calling collide in the early church. Paul and Barnabas—two spiritual giants—go their separate ways, but instead of derailing the mission, God uses the moment to multiply it. This conversation explores how disagreements, closed doors, and personal limitations can actually move God’s purposes forward when we stay surrendered and available. Together, Matt and Brandon dive into: Why conflict doesn't have to mean...
info_outlineEpisode 8: The Secret to Contentment – A Conversation with Mark Lydecker
In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt sits down with guest speaker Mark Lydecker, former executive pastor and father-in-law of Pastor Brandon Shaffer, to unpack the first message in the new Christmas series, God With Us. Drawing from his decades in ministry and personal experiences, Mark reflects on the theme of contentment, offering insights into living a life of gratitude and trust in God's provision.
They explore biblical examples like Mary’s surrender to God’s will and Paul’s unwavering faith amidst trials, along with practical ways to shift from discontent to deep satisfaction in God’s blessings. Mark also shares how his faith has carried him through life’s joys and challenges, including moments of profound loss, highlighting God’s faithfulness every step of the way.
Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation that will encourage you to embrace God’s plan with gratitude this Christmas season.