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Published on:

27th Jan 2021

Episode 243: Stewarding the Gospel...of Equality

Stewarding the Gospel…of Equality

When we steward well the gospel, we recognize that it calls us to a radical oneness, a radical equality. We are called to give up the pride of separation and see that we are all equal in two amazing ways: all distinctions of prideful hierarchy are leveled in both the condition of being lost and being found.


This week one of our #WholeLifeTakeAways asked: How broad is your concept of equality? Can you freely sing “When we ALL get to heaven,” or is it easier to sing “some of us get to heaven?”



So, what about you? How broad is your concept of equality? Have you struggled, conquered, still learning? Let us know by using one of the following:


  • Text/Voicemail:  407-965-1607
  • Email:  podcast@wholelife.church
  • WLC Mobile App:  Media Tab/Podcast Banner and Use Text and Email links
  • Social Media:  #WholeLifePodcast/ #WholeLifeTakeAways



Quotes from this episode:

Martin Luther in his commentary on Romans writes: “The corruption (of which the Apostle here speaks) is so very deep that it is not fully understood even by such as are spiritual (believers). For this reason, the truly righteous pray fervently and entreat God for divine grace, not only because they know that their will is evil, but also because they can never fully comprehend the unspeakable depth of their depravity. So, they humble themselves and earnestly ask God to sanctify them perfectly, …Man (by nature) selfishly seeks only what is to his advantage; he can love only himself above all things; and that is the sum and substance of all transgression. Such (self-sufficient) persons seek only to please themselves and secure applause, even when they follow piety and virtue.”


Ellen White from Christ’s Object Lessons p. 159-160: “No outward observances can take the place of simple faith and entire renunciation of self. But no one can empty themselves of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Your property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for You. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Your love can flow through my soul. It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward, it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore, there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely.

The nearer we come to Jesus and the more clearly, we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly, we shall discern the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the less we shall feel like exalting ourselves. Those whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to parade their own goodness. The apostle Peter became a faithful minister of Christ, and he was greatly honored with divine light and power; he had an active part in the upbuilding of Christ's church; but Peter never forgot the fearful experience of his humiliation; his sin was forgiven; yet well he knew that for the weakness of character which had caused his fall only the grace of Christ could avail. He found in himself nothing in which to glory.


Sir William Temple: The only thing of my very own which I contribute to my redemption is the sin from which I need to be redeemed.



SUBSCRIBE NOW and get all the #WholeLifeTakeAways! Speaking of Grace is our weekly message at the WholeLife Church, in a convenient podcast format. With last weekend’s sermon released every Tuesday, our pastors and guest speakers invite you into a lifelong friendship with God. Subscribe and share, by going to our website: https://wholelife.church/podcast and clicking on the ’Speaking Of Grace’ logo on the top of the page. You will find all of our takeaways in the show notes.


Find all of the #WholeLifeTakeAways in the WLC Mobile App under “This Week” on the WLC Tab.


Watch the message that this episode is based on in the WLC Mobile App by clicking on Media/Archives/Stewarding the Gospel or go to our website:  https://wholelife.church/ and click ‘View Sermons’.


NEXT WEEK: ‘Stewarding the Gospel…of Reconciliation’ with Andy McDonald.



Thank you for listening!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share it on social media.  Our show is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, and everywhere you listen to podcasts!  Be sure to join us next week for Episode 244!


Download the WholeLife Church Mobile App! It is available for both Apple and Android.


Say hello on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wholelifeorl, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wholelifeorlando, and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholelifeorlando!  Use the #hashtags:  #WholeLifePodcast #WholeLifeTakeaways #ThisIsWholeLife #StewardingTheGospel

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About the Podcast

This Is WholeLife
A weekly conversation around a variety of topics being shared and discussed at the WholeLife Church in Orlando Florida. If you join us online or in person you are familiar with our #WholeLifeTakeAways and this is where we continue those conversations!
This is WholeLife is a weekly conversation where we dive deeper into the message and topics at WholeLife Church in Orlando, Florida. Enjoy a mix of light-hearted fun and transparency as we seek answers with Pastors Ken Wetmore, and Melanie Bockmann, with Digital Content Creator Lucas Moraes, and Communications Director and Host Randy Magray.  It’s the perfect midweek commute podcast to grow personally and spiritually with your WholeLife family! We encourage your questions, comments, and feedback, which we discuss and share in every episode!   

You can join the conversation by emailing podcast@wholelife.church, calling 407-965-1607, or texting us at 407-965-1607, and using # ThisIsWholeLife on our social media feeds.

About your hosts

WholeLife Church

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WholeLife Church is a diverse congregation in Orlando, Florida. Our mission is loving people into a lifelong friendship with God.

We are . . . single, married, divorced, female, male, straight, LGBTQ, poor, rich, old, young. At WholeLife Church, we welcome any member of the community to join us in worship. We don’t care if you’re a practicing Christian or got lost in traffic and wound up here by mistake. We want to offer you grace and peace as you begin or continue your faith journey.

We are WholeLife Church, and we’re all welcome here.

Randy Magray

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Randy is a #TitleTownUSA native and certified #CheeseHead, being born and raised in Green Bay Wisconsin for 30 years. Randy and his wife Heather moved to the Orlando area in 2001 where daughters Ellie and Emilie eventually joined the family. They have been members at WholeLife Church since 2016 when Randy began hosting and producing the church's podcast This Is WholeLife and adding Speaking of Grace in 2020.

Randy's first job was working at a produce farm when he was 12 and his career has continued to be a diverse journey through the years including brick mason, home builder, financial advisor, media producer, and business owner/entrepreneur in multiple industries.

As the Digital Ministries director he looks forward to growing together as family through digital engagement that shines the light of Jesus in a way that searching hearts are engaged into a lifelong friendship with God. Randy's favorite and go-to Bible chapter.

In his free time you will find Randy tweeting about and cheering his Green Bay Packers and riding his Harley Davidson (where he has occasionally delivered WholeLife Church Announcements), relaxing at Ormond Beach with his family, and listening to podcasts!