True Grace Ministries International

The Word "Saved" Might Not Mean What You Think
Episode 12
 
In this episode of Down to Earth Theology Matters, Pastor Bryan Threlkeld and Dr. Jason Peters walk through James 1 and shows why the word "saved" must be read in context. Rather than assuming James is speaking about eternal salvation in this passage, they explain how James 1 points to practical Christian living and to God’s Word saving believers from temptation, sinful patterns, spiritual drift, and the painful consequences of ungodly living.

Does God Ever Tempt You?
Pastor Bryan Threlkeld, joined by recurring guest Dr. Jason Peters, walks through James 1:12-18 to show why believers must not blame God or the devil for their sin, how evil desires give birth to sin which can lead to death, and why the crown of life is a reward for faithful endurance rather than earned salvation.

The Easiest Way to Become Wise
 
In this episode of Down to Earth: Theology Matters, Pastor Bryan Threlkeld and Dr. Jason Peters walk through James 1:5-11 and show how believers are called to ask God for wisdom in the middle of trials. They explain God’s generous nature, why faith matters when we ask God for wisdom, and how doubt produces instability.

Surprise! The road to spiritual maturity is filled with speed bumps and potholes
James is a practical, coherent call to Christian maturity. In this episode, Pastor Bryan Threlkeld and Dr. Jason Peters give an overview of the book of James and begin unpacking James 1:1-4, showing how spiritual wisdom leads to spiritual maturity through trials, endurance, and steadfast faith.
 

Let's study the Book of James
If you want to study James well, start with the text before you lean on outside voices. Pastor Bryan Threlkeld and Dr. Jason Peters show how to read the whole book, ask the right questions, use background tools wisely, and prepare for a faithful verse by verse study of James.

How to Study the Bible for Transformation, Not Just Information
If your Bible study ends with knowledge instead of obedience, it is not finished. In this episode of Down to Earth: Theology Matters, Pastor Bryan Threlkeld and Dr. Jason Peters walk through the crucial step of biblical application. They explain how the Holy Spirit takes God’s Word from the pages of Scripture and applies it to our everyday life through reflection, repentance, evaluation and accountability.
 

How to Study the Bible for Transformation, Not Just Information
If your Bible study ends with knowledge instead of obedience, it is not finished. In this episode of Down to Earth: Theology Matters, Pastor Bryan Threlkeld and Dr. Jason Peters walk through the crucial step of biblical application. They explain how the Holy Spirit takes God’s Word from the pages of Scripture and applies it to our everyday life through reflection, repentance, evaluation and accountability.

6 Easy Questions to Keep Bible Verses in Context
In this episode of Down to Earth: Theology Matters, Pastor Bryan Threlkeld and Dr. Jason Peters share a simple way to study the Bible in context by paying attention to the paragraph, not just isolated verses. Using six observation questions - who, what, where, when, why, and how - they show how careful reading leads to clearer understanding.  In this episode, they walk through Galatians 1:1-8 as a practical example.
 
 

How to Study the Bible for Yourself: 7 Simple Reading Strategies
Bible study does not have to feel intimidating or reserved for scholars. In this episode of Down to Earth: Theology Matters, Pastor Bryan Threlkeld and Dr. Jason Peters share seven simple reading strategies that help ordinary believers read Scripture with clarity and confidence.

Why Genre Matters When Reading the Bible
If you fail to recognize the genre of literature you are reading, it is easy to misunderstand a Bible passage. In this episode of Down to Earth: Theology Matters, Pastor Bryan Threlkeld and Dr. Jason Peters explain why genre matters and how seeing the difference between Psalms, Proverbs, Gospel narratives, and letters helps you read Scripture with greater clarity, confidence, and faithfulness.