Tale of Two Mountains: The Grace of God | Pastor Maria Kringel | Calvary Orlando

·40 min·3 clips

Casey Diaz, a 16-year-old murderer in solitary confinement, hears a woman say Jesus came for him too.

This episode is a sermon by Pastor Maria Kringel at Calvary Orlando Church, part of a two-part series comparing Mount Sinai (law) and Mount Zion (grace). She opens by referencing her husband's previous message on the law. The core of the sermon is a detailed reading of Casey Diaz's testimony—a former gang leader and murderer who converted to Christianity in solitary confinement and later became a pastor. Pastor Maria defines mercy as not getting what you deserve and grace as getting what you don't deserve, using a courtroom analogy. She traces grace through the Old Testament with figures like Noah, Moses, and David, emphasizing it's inherent to God's character. A personal story about her premature twins illustrates how sin separates humans from God's presence. The sermon explores grace for salvation, citing scriptures like Ephesians 2:4-10 and Romans 3:24, and extends to grace for empowerment in daily life, referencing Hebrews 4:16 and 2 Corinthians 9:8. An illustration with cracked pots shows how God uses imperfect people. The message addresses overcoming shame, guilt, and condemnation through grace. It concludes with an altar call for salvation or rededication, including a congregational prayer. The format is a solo sermon with interactive elements like audience responses and a visual demonstration.

As heard by us

A fervent sermon uses Mount Zion and Ephesians 2 to present grace as the gift no one can earn.

Grace is framed as doctrine with a human face, moving from Casey Diaz's prison testimony into Mount Zion and Ephesians 2 to make the case that salvation is received, not earned.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play when Mount Zion sounds like the place to hear grace after earning has run out.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Calvary Orlando