Recentered on the Word
A weekly podcast featuring the teachings of Shepherd to Shepherds, Ed Underwood of Recentered Group. The wide-ranging biblical messages are recorded live at Cannon Beach Conference Center and focus on keeping Jesus at the center while emphasizing how grace works in real life, as demonstrated by God’s Word.
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S3E6 Romans: Mercy Motivates
05/21/2025
S3E6 Romans: Mercy Motivates
The Why and the What of Spiritual Commitment: Overview of Romans 12-15 Can a single decision change a Christian’s life? I think it can! There is one decision that the Book of Romans urges every Christian to make. It is a decision so significant and with such potential to transform and bless that Paul devotes eleven chapters to preparing us to consider it. Romans 12:1-2 invites individual believers who have read this great treatise on the mercies of God to respond in a way that pleases God and maximizes their experience of their so great salvation. It is a commitment to God separate from the decision to put your faith in Christ, and it moves the Christian into a new experience of devotion and intimacy with Christ. The choice we are asked to make is to present our lives to God: When you give your life to God, He gives it away to others! Find in-depth study notes and more at Purchase our discipleship manual, , on Amazon or buy in bulk . Our flagship course, The Recentered Intensive can be found . Questions or comments about the episode? Email us at We’d love to hear from you! Learn more about Recentered Group and our ministry at
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S3E5 Romans: What About Israel?
05/14/2025
S3E5 Romans: What About Israel?
In our modern minds, chapters 9-11 may seem like a sudden history lesson, interesting to some but irrelevant to the discussion. Understanding the great and glorious themes of salvation and appreciating more than ever the mercies extended to us through grace (chapters 1-8), we could quickly move straight to the practical application of those themes to our lives in chapters 12-16. Not Paul. Guided by the Holy Spirit Himself, the apostle to the Gentiles digresses into a discussion of his people, the Jews, who had, for the most part, failed to accept the salvation offered in the Gospel, even though they were God’s chosen race and it was presented to the Jew first (1:16-17). When we ask these questions we need a history lesson on the mercies of God. The Greek word for mercy occurs seven times in these three chapters but only twice in the rest of the letter! To assure us that God is faithful to His promises while remaining righteous, Paul begins with the particular problem of the Jewish resistance to the Gospel and ends with an unfolding of the divine purpose in history, which, in some ways, goes beyond any comparable passage in the whole Bible. The lesson is profoundly simple: Israel’s past, present, and future prove that God is a Faithful Promisekeeper! Find in-depth study notes and more at Purchase our discipleship manual, , on Amazon or buy in bulk . Our flagship course, The Recentered Intensive can be found . Questions or comments about the episode? Email us at We’d love to hear from you! Learn more about Recentered Group and our ministry at
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S3E4 Romans: God’s Glorifying Mercies
05/07/2025
S3E4 Romans: God’s Glorifying Mercies
Listen, and be encouraged. Salvation then includes the free gift of justification, the process of sanctification, and the future rewards for the sanctification process included in glorification. In moving from “sanctification salvation” to “glorification salvation,” we are moving from what we are to “work out” (Philippians 2:12-13) with a view to future reward (2 Corinthians 5:10) having received “justification salvation” as a grace gift apart from any works (Romans 3:24) to the actual experience of our promised deliverance from the very presence of sin forever in heaven (Romans 13:11; 1 Peter 1:9). In Romans, Paul transitions from sanctification to glorification in 8:16-17 by speaking of two categories of glory—unconditional and conditional. This begins his presentation of the glorifying mercies of God in salvation. Romans 8:16 and 17 confront us with a double heirship. One of these is for all believers. The other is for believers who suffer in fellowship with Christ. Echoing the words of the Lord in the upper room (John 16:33, 17:22-24), Paul reminds us of another reality…when we will not feel the way we do now: When life is hard, think of your forever home with Jesus. Find in-depth study notes and more at Purchase our discipleship manual, , on Amazon or buy in bulk . Our flagship course, The Recentered Intensive can be found . Questions or comments about the episode? Email us at We’d love to hear from you! Learn more about Recentered Group and our ministry at
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S3E3 Romans: Sin Shall Not Reign
04/30/2025
S3E3 Romans: Sin Shall Not Reign
Listen, and be encouraged. Christ’s mighty work on the Cross sets His people free from the reign of sin and death (Romans 5:12-18). His mighty life provides the power to live the life they were set free to live (5:19-21). And His Holy Spirit unites them with Him through spiritual baptism (1 Corinthians 12:13). This concept of being united with Christ is developed chiefly by Paul. In Romans 6:1-10 he links union with Christ to victory over sin, teaching that believers are identified with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection: The Spirit unites believers to Christ—dead to sin and alive to God! Find in-depth study notes and more at Purchase our discipleship manual, on or buy in bulk . Questions or comments about the episode? Email us at We’d love to hear from you! Learn more about Recentered Group and our ministry at
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S3E2 Romans: Justified Freely By His Grace
04/23/2025
S3E2 Romans: Justified Freely By His Grace
Listen, and be encouraged. Romans 3:21-26 is the foundational passage for the doctrine of justification. All the concepts involved in justification—the righteousness of God, faith, grace, redemption, and propitiation—are skillfully and wonderfully integrated into the most powerful paragraph in the Bible. Justification by faith has been “ground zero” to every revival in church history. Humanity’s ruin through sin and God’s remedy through faith in the justifying merit of Jesus Christ is a message that cannot be restrained. The personal implication of this powerful doctrine is profoundly simple: When I believe in Christ, God declares me Righteous. The full and free justification offered to all humanity, through faith alone, in Christ alone, brings ecstatic joy and the most profound comfort to every believing heart. Find in-depth study notes and more at Purchase our discipleship manual, on or buy in bulk . Questions or comments about the episode? Email us at We’d love to hear from you! Learn more about Recentered Group and our ministry at
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S3E1 Romans: By The Mercies of God, Give it Your All
04/16/2025
S3E1 Romans: By The Mercies of God, Give it Your All
Listen, and be encouraged: In the first hundred years of Christianity, there was no more strategic community of believers than those living in Rome. “All roads lead to Rome” was a common phrase demonstrating that the city was the Empire's cultural, commercial, and political center. To this young church, Paul writes his most thorough treatise on Christianity. His purpose is clear—to call them to a life of commitment by giving their all to God (Romans 12:1-2). His motivation is also clear—to encourage them to make this radical but reasonable decision because they are overwhelmed by God’s mercy. He speaks from his own experience. Since he met Christ on the road to Damascus, he found he could do the will of God with a free spontaneity and overwhelming joy he had never known under the law. By exalting God’s grace and mercies, he became a strategic, radically committed follower of Christ. And so, to these well-placed believers in Rome, he exalts God’s mercy and grace. Find in-depth study notes and more at Purchase our discipleship manual, on or buy in bulk . Questions or comments about the episode? Email us at We’d love to hear from you! Learn more about Recentered Group and our ministry at
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Episode 17: The Protection of Community
02/26/2025
Episode 17: The Protection of Community
Click for notes on this message and to more material and episodes. THE ETERNAL BENEFIT AND VITAL ROLE OF COMMUNITY: Spiritual maturity sets us on a path to realize our destiny, which we were made new in Christ to accomplish (Ephesians 2:8-10). It’s a winding path following a continual process best described by Paul in Philippians 3. In the maturing process, Paul describes an awareness of a value system changing dramatically because of who he now was in Christ: Those who walk in the Spirit glorify God in their liberty. Freedom from the Mosaic Law does not mean freedom from responsibility. Truly spiritual Christians will fulfill the “law of Christ” by gently restoring those within the community of faith who have lapsed into sin. You who are spiritual (who walk in the Spirit) gently and humbly restore your sinning brothers and sinners. This is what I call The Great Exchange. Those who live in high-trust friendships and cultures can experience release to their destiny in Christ.
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Episode 16: Free to Pursue Your Destiny in Christ
02/19/2025
Episode 16: Free to Pursue Your Destiny in Christ
Click for notes on this message and to more material and episodes. The Eternal Benefit of Spiritual Maturity: Spiritual maturity sets us on a path to realize our destiny, which we were made new in Christ to accomplish (Ephesians 2:8-10). It’s a winding path following a continual process described by Paul in Philippians 3. In Paul’s process of maturing, he describes an awareness of his value system changing dramatically because of who he now was in Christ: God has a specific destiny for your life. It is always greater than your capacities and goals.
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Episode 15: Walk in the Spirit Toward Spiritual Maturity
02/12/2025
Episode 15: Walk in the Spirit Toward Spiritual Maturity
Results of Living by the Spirit from Galatians 5 Click for notes on this message and to more material and episodes. Those Christians who live by the Spirit display Christ’s selfless love, not by following the law but by having crucified the flesh (5:22-24). This is the true fruit of liberty—love. We have been set free to live by the Spirit to love with the type of love characterized by the eight characteristics listed (22-23). Since the law was given to constrain the flesh, there’s no need for the law when we live by the Spirit (23b). When we trusted in Christ, the power of the flesh in our lives was crucified (24). Specific Warning to the Galatians: “If you’re led by the Spirit, you’ll live by loving one another well. That’s not how you’re treating one another according to the reports I’ve heard” (25-26). True spiritual maturity: Liberated Christians, living by the Spirit, glorify God by their Christ-like love.
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Episode 14: Use Your Freedom!
02/05/2025
Episode 14: Use Your Freedom!
Christ set us free to mature and love others. Click for notes on this message and to more material and episodes. Liberty leads to maturity; legalism leads to immaturity. Even one legalistic rule, regulation, or preoccupation derails the work of the Spirit in your life to make you more like Christ. What is a rule, regulation, or preoccupation that you feel you are most vulnerable to following to “become righteous” due to your home, church, or religious culture of origin? Liberty leads to unity; legalism leads to disunity. What do you feel is a non-biblical “standard of righteousness” by which you’re most prone to judge others? Maturity always loves; immaturity always self-indulges. Ask God, “Where am I using my liberty in unloving ways”? When He answers you, listen! Love fulfills every commandment; legalism focuses on just a few. The truly liberated Christian fulfills every commandment as he or she follows the Spirit’s leading to love Christ and others. (See also Romans 8:3-4, 13:8-10.) The burning question for the spiritually mature is not, “Am I measuring up to the expectations of my religious culture?” The burning question for the spiritually mature is, “How best am I to love others (especially in the assembly, and even more especially my enemies) with the love of Jesus?
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Episode 13: Stand Firm in Freedom!
01/29/2025
Episode 13: Stand Firm in Freedom!
Stand in the freedom of grace or wallow in the slavery of works. Click for notes on this message and to more material and episodes. The choice is yours. You, not the legalist, decide to submit to their religious nonsense. And when you do, you sever yourself from the real-time benefits of the grace gospel that is yours in Christ Jesus. More is at stake than you ever imagined. Literally, your sanctification and your impact for the Lord Jesus depend on your decision to either rely on your works or to rely on the Spirit. The Spirit is compelling you to use your liberty in ways that your faith causes you to become impatient for experiences of true righteousness in this world and the world to come. Would you say that your heart is listening to the Spirit and wanting this righteousness more and more? The Spirit is compelling you to use your liberty in ways that your faith is expressed through love. Would those closest to you—your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors—say that this is what impresses them about how you use your freedom in Christ?
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Episode 12: Free to Love and Serve!
01/22/2025
Episode 12: Free to Love and Serve!
Christ set us free to love and serve others! Click for notes on this message and to more material and episodes. Your Christian freedom is not about you but about Christ and others. Bill Thrall says: As we move toward maturity, there are three broad categories of maturing in the Christian life: “Me” centered—healing the needy new believer. “Others” centered—maturing the healing believer. “Christ” centered—releasing the mature believers. One of the greatest gifts you can give to a young believer is a safe place (opportunity) where they can disclose what is true about the sin that is in them and where they can disclose what is true about the sin that has been done against them to provide a safe place where they do not have to hide anything. (Trueface) Maturing is a process. When growing yourself or nurturing others, do not push maturity beyond the pace it takes for Christ in us (Christian character) to mature. Right answers do not equate to the right choices. Christians who live by the “law of liberty” are doing the works you would expect from a follower of Christ. The Spirit is compelling and empowering them to bridle their tongues, care for the powerless (specifically, widows and orphans), and not allow this self-centered world to stain their lives.
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Episode 11: Trusting Grace, Releasing Life
01/15/2025
Episode 11: Trusting Grace, Releasing Life
We are declared righteous by faith in Christ because Christ was faithful! Click for notes on this message and to more material and episodes. Galatians is the Magna Carta of Christian liberty, settling the issue of the Gospel: Deliverance from the penalty and power of sin is by grace, through faith, plus nothing! The gospel is for Christians. This series is about the Christian’s ongoing need for the gospel—not just as the message that delivers us from the penalty of sin when we believe what it says about Christ’s sufficiency to save us, but as the truth of Christ’s sufficiency to empower us to live for Him. It must not only be believed for salvation but also applied for life. The message of Galatians has been setting Christians free since it was written.
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Season 2 Trailer
11/27/2024
Season 2 Trailer
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Episode 10: Bonus Episode—Q&A
11/06/2024
Episode 10: Bonus Episode—Q&A
In the final episode of season one Ed Underwood answers questions about the series and Recentered Group’s ministry. The statistics are devastating. Church leadership is in crisis. Recentered Group is focused on changing that, one pastor at a time. By focusing on The Great Commandment and the Great Commission, we are devoted to helping churches become healthy so that discipleship can thrive. We trust this series on Acts has encouraged you as we studied how the early church exploded from a small group of believers to a worldwide movement. Thank you for listening to the inaugural season of Recentered on the Word. Our next season, “The Good News About Spiritual Maturity,” will begin in January 2025.
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Episode 9: The Unstoppable Message—Paul’s Radical Commission
10/30/2024
Episode 9: The Unstoppable Message—Paul’s Radical Commission
Over the years, I’ve taught the epistles of Paul to thousands of believers in different contexts—local churches, missions conferences, Bible conferences, leadership conferences—and I’ve discovered that many believers feel uncomfortable with Paul’s radical message of grace. Some have wondered where Paul got his teachings of salvation by grace, through faith, plus nothing. Was he teaching in reaction to Jewish legalism? Did he become a little sensitive to his persecutions and overreact? The gospel is indeed radical, but it didn’t come from the Apostle Paul. It came from the lips of the Lord Jesus when He commissioned Paul on the road to Damascus. A lot is at stake. Failure to clearly understand the doctrine of salvation invariably leads to preaching a false or perverted works gospel. God unquestionably saves those who come to Him despite a fuzzy or errant gospel, but that does not make it a good thing or an acceptable error. A healthy life demands a healthy birth, and there is only one way to a healthy new birth—a correct Gospel! When asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Make sure the gospel is clear.
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Episode 8: The Road to Rome—Finish Strong; Don’t Look Back
10/23/2024
Episode 8: The Road to Rome—Finish Strong; Don’t Look Back
Books 6 and 7 record the growth of the church through the missionary efforts of Paul. Paul’s second missionary journey to Cyprus and Asia Minor brings the issue of the relationship between the Law of Israel and the grace of the church to a head. Choosing grace instead of the Law, the early church leaders rightly concluded that the body of Christ was for every tribe, tongue, and nation and that the grace of God was for all who believed. We read of Paul’s Spirit-led passion to take the Gospel to the epicenter of the Gentile world—Rome. His “travel agent” on the road to Rome would be the Lord Jesus, who directs the Apostle of Grace’s steps through persecution, arrests, trials, defense, and ministry. Over six years, from 56 through 62, Christ overrules Paul’s plans repeatedly. Every overruling is an opportunity for ministry that Paul seizes. All the divine interventions add up to an impact the Apostle could never accomplish with his own strengths and strategies. Against all odds, the church expands west to the Aegean shores of Europe and Asia Minor as the Holy Spirit directs Paul’s steps to prepare people in strategic cities. Next, it extends to the center of the Roman world as Jesus Christ directs Paul to achieve his passion for proclaiming the Gospel to all peoples—including the Jews—through his arrest, trials, defense, and release. When it’s time to move on, finish strong, and don’t look back!
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Episode 7: Growth of the Church—Grace, not Law to Gentiles in Cyprus and Asia Minor
10/16/2024
Episode 7: Growth of the Church—Grace, not Law to Gentiles in Cyprus and Asia Minor
Book 5 traces the church's growth through the church's missionary efforts in Antioch and under Paul's leadership. Paul’s first missionary journey to Cyprus and Asia Minor brings the issue of the relationship between the Law of Israel and the grace of the church to a head. Choosing grace instead of the Law, the early church leaders rightly concluded that the body of Christ was for every tribe, tongue, and nation, and God's grace was for all who believed. Against all odds, the church expanded from a Gentile church into the Gentile territories of Asia Minor under Paul’s leadership and preached the message of the grace of Christ rather than the Law of Moses. The Christian life is lived by grace through faith, not by following the Law.
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Episode 6: Expansion in the Holy Land—The Word of God Grew and Multiplied
10/09/2024
Episode 6: Expansion in the Holy Land—The Word of God Grew and Multiplied
Book 4 records the shift of the church’s center from Jerusalem to Antioch of Syria. Luke emphasizes the Gospel’s spread increasingly to Gentiles in three momentous stages: Peter’s ministry to Hellenistic Jews in the port cities of Palestine (9:23-43), Peter’s ministry to the Gentile centurion, Cornelius, and his friends in Caesarea (10:1-11:18), and the beginning of the church in Antioch (11:19-30). In the face of tremendous persecution, the Jerusalem church remains vital for opening their lives to Gentiles (12:1-23). This proves that the word of God, Jesus’ words and promises to His church, cannot be resisted by earthly powers (12:24). Against all odds, the church expands into Gentile territory and establishes an outpost in Antioch to deploy to the end of the earth. Do you want to be a door opener? Prepare to be attacked by Christians and Satan.
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Episode 5: Growth of the Church—Disciples Multiplied
10/02/2024
Episode 5: Growth of the Church—Disciples Multiplied
Luke divides his history into panels or Books, separated by progress reports. Book 1 takes the reader from Christ's ascension to the birth of the church and concludes with the first progress report: “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (2:47). Throughout his account, Luke presents Christianity as an irresistible force in the face of significant opposition and persecution. Book 2 traces the expansion of the church in Jerusalem and introduces the two forces that oppose Christ’s followers—persecution from the enemies of Christ and pollution in the people of Christ. The same factions that crucified Christ now try to suppress His apostles.
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Episode 4: Growth of the Church—Disciples Multiplied
09/25/2024
Episode 4: Growth of the Church—Disciples Multiplied
Luke divides his history into panels or Books, separated by progress reports. Book 1 takes the reader from Christ's ascension to the birth of the church and concludes with the first progress report: “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (2:47). Throughout his account, Luke presents Christianity as an irresistible force in the face of significant opposition and persecution. Book 2 traces the expansion of the church in Jerusalem and introduces the two forces that oppose Christ’s followers—persecution from the enemies of Christ and pollution in the people of Christ. The same factions that crucified Christ now try to suppress His apostles.
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Episode 3: Birth of the Church—Disciples Added
09/18/2024
Episode 3: Birth of the Church—Disciples Added
The first day of the church was truly eventful. A mighty wind attracted a huge crowd of devout Jews who heard the disciples miraculously proclaim the wonderful works of God. When Peter explained what they just saw with prophetic precision they were cut to the heart, and 3,000 joined the ranks of the Jerusalem church. Luke wraps up his account of the birth of the church by describing the everyday life of the first Christians in Jerusalem. The infant church enjoyed a brief period of sweet effectiveness before the onset of persecution from without and division from within. Still totally Jewish but transformed by God's grace, these men and women were enamored with Christ. Though their growth was amazing, their impact on the city has made Christians of every generation look to their example for clues to effectiveness. What can we learn from them?
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Episode 2: Jesus High and Lifted Up—The Ascension of Christ
09/11/2024
Episode 2: Jesus High and Lifted Up—The Ascension of Christ
Luke’s sequel to his gospel, the Book of Acts, begins where he left off—the ascension of Christ. The emphasis is different. The Gospel of Luke stresses the work of Christ while He walked on earth; Acts highlights the work of Jesus done by the Holy Spirit through the Apostles. Without Acts, we would have no record of the beginning and growth of the early church. Luke traces the birth and expansion of the church to strengthen the faith of Theophilus, a fellow Christian who may have helped finance Luke’s missionary and writing ministry (Luke 1:1-4). The Holy Spirit had a much broader audience in mind—the church of Christ throughout the age of grace. Luke’s selective but accurate history of the first 30 years of the church answers Theophilus’ questions in a timeless way.
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Episode 1: Acts of the Apostles: Overview—Against All Odds
06/18/2024
Episode 1: Acts of the Apostles: Overview—Against All Odds
The debut episode begins with an overview of the Book of Acts. You will hear how, against all odds, the church grew from 12 disciples into a thriving faith across the known world by the power of the Holy Spirit. Learn how we have the same hope of spreading the gospel when we follow The Great Commission. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). Luke’s sequel to his gospel, the Book of Acts, begins where he left off—the ascension of Christ. The emphasis is different. The Gospel of Luke stresses the work of Christ while He walked on earth; Acts highlights the work of Jesus done by the Holy Spirit through the apostles. Without Acts, we would have no record of the beginning and growth of the early church. Luke traces the birth and expansion of the church to strengthen the faith of Theophilus, a fellow Christian who may have helped finance Luke’s missionary and writing ministry (Luke 1:1-4). The Holy Spirit had a much broader audience in mind—the church of Christ throughout the age of grace. Luke’s selective but accurate history of the first 30 years of the church answers Theophilus’ questions in a timeless way: What about the coming of the Holy Spirit? What was the ministry of the Apostles? How did the Gospel spread from Jerusalem to the rest of the world? How did Christianity become a world religion rather than a Jewish sect?
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