Theology in the Raw

Jesus: Friend of Sinners. Reflections for Lent with Elyse Fitzpatrick

44 snips
Feb 18, 2026
Elyse Fitzpatrick, biblical counselor and prolific author, reflects on grace, justification, and Jesus’ kingship. Conversation touches on discovering Lent, why many Christians miss justification, loving enemies from security in Christ, and the surprising pushback to grace-focused teaching. Practical pastoral approaches and the making of her Lenten devotional Friend of Sinners are highlighted.
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INSIGHT

The Missing Gospel Explains Church Anxiety

  • Many long-term churchgoers have never heard justification explained as "forgiveness and Christ's perfect record."
  • Elyse Fitzpatrick says this absence of the gospel explains legalism and the church's thirst for worldly power.
INSIGHT

Absent Gospel Drives Political Idolatry

  • When churches lack gospel clarity about Jesus' kingship, congregations often pursue political power as a substitute king.
  • Elyse links Jesus' rejection of worldly power in the wilderness to how Christians should refuse political idolatries.
ADVICE

Ask The Spirit To Open Hearts

  • Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to open hearts when people are "almost there" with gospel truths.
  • Elyse repeats Romans 4: Christ died for sinners and was raised for our justification as a daily corrective.
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