The Washington Defender Podcast

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Are you living by faith or by works? Discover how Abraham’s faith unlocked the promise for all nations especially the Jewish nation of Israel —long before any law was written. Pastor Brian Noble centers on the faith of Abraham and how the promise given to him was based on faith, not law. Drawing from Genesis and Romans 4 and 9, Pastor Brian explains that Abraham’s righteousness came by trusting God before any religious rules were established, and that grace is what guarantees the promise to all descendants. He emphasizes that Christians are called to walk in Abraham’s footsteps—receiving God’s grace, living transparently, and defending biblical values in the public square. The message closes with encouragement and prayer for faith, grace, and obedience in daily life. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Are your daily decisions and influence yielding spiritual fruit—or is your life more like a dried-up vine, impressive in appearance but spiritually empty Drawing on Ezekiel 15, John 15, Zechariah, and Lamentations, Pastor Brian Noble explains that only those “grafted” into the Vine (Jesus) produce fruit truly valuable to God; mere religious tradition, family heritage, or impressive works are not enough. God disciplines and prunes every unfruitful branch—our role is to abide in Christ, allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate gospel fruit, and keep faith even in discipline and hardship. The devotional calls believers to ask God what fruit He desires in each civic, workplace, and family interaction, surrender self-reliance, and seek opportunities each day to bless others and lead people to Jesus. The closing prayer affirms: “Lord, we are nothing—you are everything. Flow through us to produce fruit that leads others to You.” We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Are you ready to step out in faith, be set apart, and make a difference in your community—just like Abraham did? Pastor Brian Noble explores the journey of Abraham, highlighting how faith precedes religious rituals and obedience, and how Abraham’s choices resonate with believers today. The episode draws lessons from Abraham's story in Genesis and Romans 4, urging listeners to embrace faith, obey God’s call to be set apart, and act boldly in the public square. Pastor Brian connects Abraham’s journey to everyday activism, encouraging believers to rescue the oppressed, stand for righteousness, and advance biblical values in their communities. The devotional closes with a prayer for courage, obedience, and impact. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Why does the New Testament call Abraham its “father of faith” over seventy times, and what does that mean for you—grafted in, credited, and called to believe with the same conviction? Pastor Brian Noble reviews many New Testament passages—Matthew, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, Galatians, Hebrews, James—showing that Abraham is repeatedly cited as the example of faith, justification, blessing, and covenant. Scripture teaches that the “faith covenant” came before law or circumcision, welcoming all who believe to be spiritual heirs. Romans, Galatians, and others stress that neither works nor heritage, but faith in God’s promise, is the source of righteousness for every believer. The devotional strongly opposes replacement theology and antisemitism, encouraging Christians to honor both Jewish and Gentile roots, and to walk each day in the newness, joy, and public witness that comes from being credited with the same righteousness as Abraham—through faith in Jesus the Messiah. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Do you run from God when you sin, or run to Him as your hiding place, trusting that confession leads to forgiveness and the joy of new life?? Pastor Brian Noble quotes David and shows that the blessing of being “credited with righteousness apart from works” is a theme of both Old and New Testaments. From Abraham and David to believers today, true joy comes not from merit or ritual, but from confessing and receiving forgiveness by grace in Christ. “Blessed is the one whose lawless deeds are forgiven, whose sin is covered. You are my hiding place.” The devotional urges practical repentance, receiving restoration, and living in public witness with the joy of salvation and a brand new identity in Christ. Application: Confess, receive, rejoice, and bring Jesus into every sphere of life—knowing God is always your hiding place and shield. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  If God credits your account with endless righteousness—beyond zero, beyond balance, beyond your own merit—how will you spend that account for God’s glory today? Pastor Brian Noble conducts a word study of “credited” in Romans 4, explaining that Abraham believed God and “it was credited to him as righteousness.” This crediting is not just removing debt, but adding the infinite positive value of Christ’s righteousness to the believer’s account—apart from works or ritual, but solely by faith. The transfer is irreversible, unconditional, and available to both Jews and Gentiles, as demonstrated by Abraham before circumcision and the law. The application: believers can “spend” their credit of righteousness on works that glorify God and transform the public square, living bold, generous lives in response to God’s amazing grace. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Are you calculating what God “owes” you, or trusting Him to lavish grace on those with no claim, so your work overflows in gratitude rather than grumbling? Pastor Brian Noble unpacks Romans 4:4–5 and the parable of the vineyard laborers, showing that wages are paid for work, but righteousness is credited solely through faith, just as Abraham believed God and was counted righteous. The devotional warns against entitlement and reminds believers that God—like the generous landowner—does not owe rewards to any, but graciously gifts faith and blessing even to those who come late, regardless of past works. The lesson for the public square is to place hope and conviction in God’s promises, letting faith energize good works without competition, envy, or entitlement. The prayer urges believers to thank God for provision, pray for leaders by name, and advance biblical values in gratitude each day. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Are you living by works or belief? Abraham saw only the stars yet trusted God’s impossible promises, and was credited with righteousness—what would happen if you fully believed God today? Pastor Brian Noble draws from Genesis 15 and Romans 4 to show that faith—apart from law or personal effort—has always been the basis of righteousness. Abraham was justified decades before the law existed, foreshadowing salvation by faith in Christ for all people. Believers, credited as righteous, receive the “ministry of reconciliation”: bringing others to peace with God through Christ’s sacrifice and sharing hope in daily life. Today’s application urges believers to trust God’s word, claim divine appointments, and embody newness in Christ, remembering that God’s covenant with Israel is unbroken and His promises never fail. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Is your assurance with God rooted in personal trust in Jesus, or are you relying on family tradition and someone else’s spiritual life to deliver you? Your momma's faith ain't going to save you! Drawing from Ezekiel 14:12–23 and the examples of Noah, Daniel, and Job, Pastor Brian Noble explains that even the greatest saints’ righteousness only saves themselves; “momma’s faith” cannot save a person, nor can church attendance, denominational identity, or inherited religious customs. Biblical salvation is always individual, accomplished only through faith in Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection offer eternal life to anyone who trusts Him. God promises that His covenant to Israel remains, always keeping a remnant, but every person must repent and believe personally. In the public square, Christians are called to share the gospel and invite others to embrace true faith, not rely on religious upbringing or reputation. The closing prayer asks God to help witnesses discern and address false assurances, and to spread the good news of Jesus’ saving work in families and communities. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Does the Bible teach salvation by works or by faith? The answer: true faith always produces action, but those actions can never save us—they just prove that our faith is real. Pastor Brian Noble unpacks Genesis 11–25, Romans 4, and James 2, showing that Abraham’s justification was by faith alone—he simply believed God’s promises, and it was “credited to him as righteousness.” Paul’s point (Romans) is that no one is saved by works; James’ point is that genuine faith cannot help but result in good works as a “byproduct.” When Abraham offered Isaac, he displayed faith in action. The devotional warns against “replacement theology” and emphasizes God’s ongoing covenant with Israel but applies the lesson universally: if Jesus truly changes you, your life will show it. God calls his people to defend biblical truth, live boldly as new creations, and let faith produce active love in the public square each day We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  If Abraham’s entire legacy was built on simply believing God’s word, what’s holding you back from taking Him at His word in your own life and calling? This devotional outlines Abraham’s journey—his call, promises, failures, and the repeated, everlasting covenant God made with him concerning both land and descendants. Abraham’s faith, not his works or heritage, is what “was credited… as righteousness.” Romans 4 explains that all who believe God’s word are counted righteous the same way—by faith, not by effort or religious observance. The New and Old Testaments together point to this gospel: sinners need a Savior, and Jesus is that Savior, received by faith alone. The application is enduring: trust God’s word, proclaim the Savior in the public square, and walk in God’s calling, knowing that God’s faithfulness to Abraham proves He will keep all His promises to His people.​ We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  If Jesus is your engine, what new works will flow from faith today that you could never manufacture or fake through effort or religion alone? Pastor Brian Noble explores Romans 3:27–31 and James 2, showing that justification is wholly by faith, not works or religious heritage—a truth for both Jews and Gentiles. Yet true faith is never idle: like Abraham, genuine trust in Christ produces loving action and visible transformation. Christians are called to let the risen Jesus, not external effort, become the driving force that generates compassion, obedience, and witness in daily life and the public square. The application: show your faith today by tangible good works, knowing that these works arise from Christ within, not for earning salvation but as a testimony to God’s grace. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  If God alone justifies those who trust in Christ, why weigh yourself down with self-justification, defensiveness, or religious achievement today? Drawing from Romans 3:21–26 and Galatians 2, Pastor Brian Noble clarifies the biblical terms “just” (God’s perfect righteousness) and “justifier” (the one who makes people righteous). The gospel proclaims that justification is not by works but by faith in Christ’s finished work; to attempt self-justification is to “nullify the grace of God.” Believers are called to live crucified with Christ—dead to old sin and alive to God’s Spirit—so there is no need for defensiveness, fear, or comparison. The public square application: enter every conversation and mission field assured that God’s acceptance and justification are secure, and let this confidence lead to love, humility, and courageous gospel witness to all. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  If God’s mercy seat welcomes anyone with faith—no matter how stained or distant—why do people cling either to self-righteousness or exclusion instead of humble dependence and compassion?​ Pastor Brian Noble explores Romans 3 and Romans 11, explaining that God’s “propitiation” means Christ is both the sacrifice and the mercy seat—the golden lid atop the Ark of the Covenant, where blood was sprinkled to cover sin and where God met His people. Through repentance and faith in Jesus, anyone is justified, redeemed, and covered—no longer condemned, but reconciled. God’s gifts and calling to Israel are irrevocable, warning believers against “replacement theology” or anti-Semitic attitudes. The public square application: share mercy, reject division, honor God’s everlasting covenant, and defend biblical truth with love, knowing you are only able to stand because of Christ’s covering of grace and mercy. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  If God rescues the helpless, remains faithful despite betrayal, and promises everlasting restoration, how should that shape your response to failure and your hope for others in exile or despair? Pastor Brian Noble explains Romans 3 and 11: all have sinned, but justification and redemption come only “through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” Redemption is not earned; it is received as a gift—Jesus’ blood buys believers out of sin and spiritual exile, grafts Gentiles into God’s covenant, and keeps Israel’s hope alive. True redemption means being wholly transferred from “darkness” to the “kingdom” of God’s Son, free from fear and condemnation. Because of this grace, every believer is called to boldly proclaim salvation, live out gratitude, and invite others into the redeeming love of Christ in daily life and the public square. The prayer closes by surrendering all sin to God and asking to be used for His kingdom purposes today. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  What do you love so much that you’d sin against others or break relationship with God to get or keep it? That hidden idol may be the greatest spiritual danger in your life today. Drawing from Ezekiel 14, the devotional explains that God sees the desires and demands we nurture privately, and that our prayers and spiritual lives can be hindered if we cling to such idols. Idolatry is “setting up a stumbling block of iniquity” before ourselves and being willing to sin to get our way, whether regarding power, reputation, or personal wants. God calls His people to repent and turn from idols, promising restoration and renewed relationship if they do so. Biblical stewardship—of family, vocation, even political action—means honoring God alone as Provider and King. The closing prayer invites God to tear down every idol so believers can bear witness to His grace and truth in public life, loving Him supremely and stewarding their influence for Christ’s kingdom. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  If God is both the just and the justifier, how would your public witness change if you focused on sharing the gospel as a gift, not an achievement or religious competition? Drawing from Romans 3:21–26, Romans 11, and the story of Abraham, Pastor Brian Noble explains that God justifies all who trust Christ “as a gift by His grace.” Jews remain His chosen people—salvation is never earned, but received by faith, creating spiritual unity across ethnic and national lines. Believers are called to show respect for God’s faithfulness to Israel, to share the gospel boldly with all people, and to remember that salvation is for everyone who believes. The public square application: share Jesus as a gift, not a reward; defend biblical values compassionately; and let the assurance of justification carry you into confident service and joyful worship, day by day. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  If every person is a sinner in need of Jesus—how can humility, gratitude, and a refusal to embrace “replacement theology” shape your engagement with the Jewish people and with the gospel today? Drawing from Romans 3:21–26 and Old Testament promises, Pastor Brian Noble emphasizes that the statement “all have sinned” highlights humanity’s universal need for a Savior, not a revocation of God’s covenant with Israel. Both Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith—and believers are warned against replacement theology and anti-Semitic attitudes, urged instead to honor God’s faithfulness to Israel and to draw all people to Christ. Salvation and the New Covenant fulfill, not erase, God’s everlasting promises to Abraham. The devotional closes in prayer for humility, repentance, and evangelism toward both Jews and Gentiles, so all can experience Jesus’ resurrection power and freedom today We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  If God’s promises are everlasting and Jesus—a Jew—died for all, why do some claim the church has replaced Israel or tolerate antisemitism in the public square? Pastor Brian Noble, referencing Romans 3:21–26 and Romans 11, rebuts “replacement theology,” emphasizing that “God has not rejected his people…Israel.” While Jews—from Paul’s day to today—need salvation through Christ like all others, the scriptural witness shows God always preserves a Jewish remnant, disciplines Israel as a sign of His reality, and remains faithful to His covenants. Christians should firmly oppose antisemitic attitudes or behaviors, remembering the gospel’s core: God’s grace extends to both Jews and Gentiles, and God’s promises endure despite national or personal flaws. The devotional closes with a prayer for every believer to stand for biblical truth, love the Jewish “older brother,” and seek the salvation and blessing of all peoples in the public square. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  If the law exposes every heart and shows our need for grace—not achievement—why are people tempted to substitute religious effort for the transforming power of faith in Jesus alone? Romans 3:20 and Galatians 3 teach that “by the works of the law no flesh will be justified”—the law instead convicts all people of sin, provides a standard of right and wrong, and functions as a tutor that leads us to the Savior. Abraham was declared righteous by faith, centuries before the law was given to Moses. Christ’s work fulfills the law’s demands and redeems all who trust Him. The devotional encourages believers to embrace unity across backgrounds, live by faith, and recognize that every conviction of sin is an invitation to run to Christ for forgiveness and renewal. The closing prayer calls for a public witness rooted in grace, humility, and the transforming presence of Jesus in the workplace and community. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/