Talking With an Evangelical Free Church Pastor

Jeff Foote is Senior Pastor of Grace Church in Longmont, Colorado which is part of the Evangelical Free Church of America. Here's a deep dive conversation with him about what he and the Evangelical Free Church believe.

[dkecskes]

"If evangelicalism means behavioralism, moralism, nationalism, which the connotation has certainly become that, then I'm not an evangelical. If evangelicalism means the gospel is true, the Bible is true, people need Jesus to change us from the inside out, not by good works but by faith and the gift of His grace, then I'm an evangelical."

Such an amazing quote, I had to write it down.

[PaigeSchoepp]

As a former evangelical who converted to the Lutheran church, I found this episode difficult to watch. I understand and know the language and theology presented because I was steeped in it from infancy. But this traditional almost made me walk away from Christ. I was lost and felt no assurance, when asking complex questions I was given very surface answers. How could I know I was saved if the fruit of my works was the only way to tell? Did that mean that if I did no good works than I must not be saved? These and other questions haunted me, I felt alone and adrift. Then in my brokenness I walked into a Lutheran church. I didn't even know what that meant at the time. It was there that I was taught that questioning traditions and beliefs was the cornerstone of the Christian faith. I was also given amazingly detailed answers to my questions and was encouraged to read more about where those answers came from. Volumes of books were given to me, along with thoughtful instruction. The implication that those that follow Church tradition don't question those traditions, or that those traditions don't stand up to questioning, absolutely boggles my mind.

[dcon]

great, I am a Baptist and had no idea what an evangelical really was. Thank you for this.

[Hal]

you should make a playlist of these visiting other churches

[michiganron]

Excellent conversation, Matt! Keep these coming! Great work!

[isaacregier]

"When the church gets into bed with the state. It ends badly for state and even for worse for the church." I think we could learn a lot from that.

[jamesrogers]

I learned things about the denomination i did not know. I may not agree with all of his theology but love his faith and expression of it

[WittenbergProject]

all I will say about the 34min mark is... if the disciples thought as you assume they did, they would not of left.  They took him literal and Jesus didn't clear it up and say "not literally".  Any how, Great show!

[KM-znlx]

My son is still RC. I consider myself just catholic with small c in that I'm now a Christian. We told him the gospel and he agreed, however he said salvation comes through his church. Sad. I didn't even continue to believe that as a Catholic when I questioned and finally left. So many priests seem to adore and venerate Mary above Jesus. So many priests are disappointing in spiritual counseling and matters and even as confessors. There is only the True church of Christ..

[news_internationale]

With baptism I think it is a good way to get family together and welcome a child into the world. Maybe it is something people shouldn't over think.

[stevemillerecon]

At 33 minutes in, you're asking the question, "Who is taking the Gospel as literal truth? The Catholics/Orthodox or the Evangelical 'Bible Christians'?" What does the Bread of Life discourse (in John 6) mean? What did Christ mean when he spoke of his body and blood at the Last Supper? Who believes that as literal truth, and who thinks it was just a metaphor?

[thumper]

Eating the Lord's supper is partaking in a satisfactory sacrifice made to Yahweh as a part of the new covenant relationship. It's a physical symbol of our actual belief in Christ (the bread), and the washing away of sins (the wine/blood) which made possible by the sacrifice (Christ). This final sacrifice was sufficient for God to forgive all sin. Partaking in Lord's supper is a representation of our being in the new covenant by our belief in Christ and being born again.
This is why those of weak faith did not eat meat. They were afraid that if what they ate was sacrificed to an idol, they would have accidently made a covenant with a devil.

[memorylapsedm]

I guess you could say, though I don't claim or identify with a single denomination, that I would resonate with an Evangelical Free church the most, or at least that one I do. I guess you could also say that I stay away from a lot of churches anymore because of a "falling away" as the Bible foretold. And none that have fallen away seem to want to listen to reason. Therefore, I say as Jesus said in Revelation to the churches, Hold fast to that which is good. And also what Jude said, Contend for the faith. However, the reason I resonate with at least that Evangelical Free church I will line up for you. What Jesus said in John 15, and it will be a very life changing experience for you if you haven't already noticed what is being said in the chapter (i.e. I am singling out verse 3 the most for reference, and when you read it again it will stun you in what he said exactly, your jaw should hit the floor if you notice what it is exactly he said, he declared it to be so by his very word, you are clean brother) and also what he said in Acts 1:5, and also how Peter confirmed what Jesus said in Acts 1:5 later in Acts 11:15-16 of what happened earlier in Acts 10:44. They were all baptized and sealed with the Holy Ghost before baptism by water. The message of the gospel at its very core? Have faith in what the word of God is telling you, confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, and you shall be saved. Nowhere do I see in Romans 10:9 to get baptized by water. Just do as it says, and you shall be saved. The water baptism can come later if need be. Plus, the word of God is the sound of "many waters."


P.S. Can't wait for you to go to the Creation Ministry brother. Might want to think about taking the family with you as well and staying a few days lol. There is so much to learn there and will help to solidify your faith in Genesis as well, and also teach you and your family of how important it is to the gospel, and be able to stand on Genesis confidently and even defend the gospel from Genesis. Hope you have fun there brother.

[Aegris-Somnia]

If possible in the future you could visit a Hebrew roots or Messianic Jewish church to see the big differences between the groups and from mainstream Christianity. It's very crazy weird interesting, I used to be Messianic, I dont have negative feelings towards the movement.

[Bjt]

Were saved by grace alone but this isnt the same thing as faith alone. How many times in the bible does it say that were judged according to our works?

We cant save ourselves, but we must carry our cross. Is this not biblical?

God Bless

[KM-znlx]

Just remember the thief on the cross was saved by Faith! No baptism no good works! Belief in Jesus as his savior!

[wengel_ca]

Now I just can't stop thinking of those medieval Jesus paintings except instead of Jesus there's a door with a halo.

[michaelhaas]

Read the book and ive your video another try.