Reformed Pastors Discuss the Law and Gospel Distinction

In this episode Pastor Chris Gordon and guest Pastor Mike Abendroth discuss the critical distinction between the Law and Gospel. They explore why conversations about Christ can be less popular than discussions of the Law, and how a proper understanding of both is essential for a healthy Christian life. The discussion covers topics such as the motivation for obedience, the importance of a pastor's self-awareness of their own fallen nature, and the importance of preaching God's grace. They also discuss how the Law-Gospel distinction helps us interpret Scripture, from the books being opened in Revelation to Jesus turning water into wine in John 2. The conversation touches on practical applications for parenting and avoiding the self-righteous pitfalls of modern church culture, emphasizing that true biblical strength is found in many ways the world considers weak. They conclude by reflecting on what is most important to hear on one's deathbed: the good news of Christ. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:08:40 - The Popularity of Law vs. Gospel 00:14:50 - Topic: The Law & Gospel Distinction 00:20:00 - On Wayward Children 00:22:00 - God's Love and Our Obedience 00:26:50 - Pastors' Self-Awareness of Sin 00:32:50 - The Pastor's Self-Denial 00:35:00 - How Law & Gospel Distinctions Help 00:35:25 - Revelation 20 and the Final Judgment 00:37:35 - John 2 and Jesus Making Wine 00:39:10 - Parenting and Disciplining 00:40:00 - The Sin of Complaining 00:46:30 - The Overarching Point of Law/Gospel Preaching 00:49:30 - Showing the Glory of the Savior 00:51:30 - The First Use of the Law for Christians 00:54:45 - The Assurance of Pardon 00:58:00 - The Structure of Ephesians 00:59:30 - Father, Son, and Spirit 01:02:00 - Paul's Enduring Praise 01:05:00 - Critiquing Sermons and Feedback 01:10:35 - Self-Righteous Preachers 01:11:20 - The False Strength of the Pharisees 01:14:40 - The Church's Unique Offering: Christ 01:15:40 - The Deathbed Question Tags: #lawandgospel #chrisgordon #mikeabendroth #nocompromiseradio #reformedtheology #christianliving #preaching #sermonprep #grace #faith #obediencetochrist #theology #biblestudy #ephesians Pastor Mike Abendroth Mike Abendroth (MDiv, DMin) is Senior Pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church (West Boyleston, MA), where he has served since 1997. He is host of No Compromise Radio and author of Jesus Christ: The Prince of Preachers (2007), The Sovereignty and Supremacy of King Jesus (2011), Things that Go Bump in the Church (2014), Discovering Romans (2014), Sexual Fidelity (2015) and Evangelical White Lies (2016). He is married with with four children. When not enjoying his family he is often found on a bicycle. X: https://x.com/nocoradio Website: https://nocompromiseradio.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoCompromise... Church: https://bbcchurch.org/ Books: Jesus Christ: The Prince of Preachers (DayOne, 2007) The Sovereignty and Supremacy of King Jesus (DayOne, 2011) Things that Go Bump in the Church (Harvest House, 2014) Discovering Romans (Zondervan, 2014) Sexual Fidelity (NoCo Media, 2015) Evangelical White Lies (NoCo Media, 2016) ABOUNDING GRACE RADIO: ❤️ DONATE: https://agradio.org/donate 🔗 Website: https://agradio.org 📩 Newsletter: https://agradio.org/newsletter 👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aboundingrac... 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aboundinggr... ✖️ X: https://x.com/agradio1