Defining Grace, the Gospel, and the Church

by | Jun 24, 2019 | American Church, Christianity, Podcast, Prosperity Gospel, the Gospel | 0 comments

Originally from the Australian outback, Cameron Buettel is a graduate of The Master’s Seminary and currently works as a researcher and writer at Grace to You. He also serves as a deacon at Grace Community Church where John MacArthur pastors. He is passionate about proclaiming the gospel faithfully and teaching others to do so as well. Cameron currently lives in Santa Clarita, California with his Danish wife, Majbrit and their five children: Louisa, Josef, Teresa, Thomas, and Kristina.

On today’s program, David Fiorazo and Crash Connell hit many important issues with Cameron. Here are some of the things discussed:

  • The role of pastors, elders, and deacons in regard to church leadership and accountability. (Many American churches follow a business model and are set up with the pastor being the CEO whereas others are elder driven.
  • Churches often drop the ball when it comes to Christian maturity and evangelism. We generally have not been effective in building up strong believers and making disciples. Does this reflect leadership or the individual Christian?

Cameron mentioned the five “solas” that resulted from the Reformation.

1. Sola scriptura: “Scripture alone”
2. Sola fide: “faith alone”
3. Sola gratia: “grace alone”
4. Solo Christo: “Christ alone”
5. Soli Deo gloria: “to the glory of God alone”

  • The teaching of God’s Word is perhaps the most important role of the church along with sharing the gospel with the lost. Do you think the American church is doing a good job in this area and if not, why do you believe that is the case?
  • When the Supreme Court decided to redefine God-ordained marriage and removed all same-sex marriage bans across the country, Pastor John MacArthur preached a sermon entitled “We Will Not Bow.” How can Christians respond to the cultural battles over “social issues,” lies and moral relativism, knowing we will be called intolerant?
  • How do we find the sweet spot, a good balance of preaching the truth of the gospel in love while not backing down from the hard teachings on the holiness of God, depravity of man, sin, repentance, and God’s wrath?