{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Houston's First Baptist Church","title":"Dust, Blood, Grace & Works","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2320,"description":"In this sermon the speaker begins by contrasting the narrow gate of Matthew 7 with the broad way that leads to destruction, then cites Jude’s warning about those who follow the “way of Cain.” He argues that throughout Scripture there has been a single, true path to God – the “Way” revealed in Christ – and that all religions ultimately reduce to a question of whether one is saved by grace or by works. Using the story of Cain and Abel, he illustrates that Cain’s offering of his own labor was rejected because it lacked faith and the shedding of blood, while Abel’s blood‑sacrifice was accepted. The preacher repeatedly emphasizes that salvation is a finished work of Christ, a free gift received by faith, and that any attempt to add human effort, opinion, or pride corrupts the gospel.\n\nThe sermon then moves to contemporary examples, describing how people may claim ignorance or sincerity while refusing to accept the biblical way. He warns against “work‑based” salvation, noting that even well‑meaning believers can fall into the prideful mindset of Cain. The speaker calls listeners to a personal response, inviting anyone who has not yet trusted in Christ’s atoning blood to receive Him by faith, and affirms that the church welcomes all who come to the true way, regardless of denomination.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/o5yzRQYlXr9ParDz0W15WXJmDEyj_QNDo8tzYNqSRoc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wN2Ew/Yjg4MTI1YTdmNDVi/Mjc2NWZiNDkwYTBi/OTU4MS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}