False Christian teachings, trends….
The following song, Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me, from the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, is sung by Brian Cochran. It is from his YouTube site Brian Cochran. Lyrics are pasted in below the song so that you can also sing along. I find it easier to sing along when someone else is singing, as though I were at church, singing along with the congregation. This song is being posted because it fits well with the topic being explained by Pastor Hines, Romans 1.
Pastor Hines explains the meaning of the following verses in this 12-minute podcast: Romans 1:5-7 [5]Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, [6] among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; [7] To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (New American Standard Bible) [Sermon highlight points precede sermon]
This post contains a brief video podcast by Pastor Patrick Hines on Romans 1:1-4. Therein, he explains the gospel of God of which Paul testifies in his teaching. If you do not understand ‘justification by faith alone,’ then you can benefit by hearing Pastor Hines’ explanation of this text. Additionally, he provides a basic overview of the apostle Paul’s conversion and his former life as a Pharisee. [This is the most foundational doctrine of Christianity, over which the Protestant Reformation was fought; it is still largely misunderstood by Christians, especially those who do not study scripture; your understanding of ‘faith’ may also be bolstered by Pastor Hines teaching ]
In the following sermon, R C Sproul explains the gospel in a basic but very complete manner. Most Christians don’t know all the points he covered. …as we currently have in American culture, a Christianity without the gospel. [Sermon HIGHLIGHT points precede the 49-minute sermon video]
In this newsletter, Mike answers the following questions / or explains the following concepts: How Good Do You Have To Be? Christ’s Righteousness Is Man’s Only Hope; Paul Exchanged His Righteousness for Christ’s; Zeal for God Without His Righteousness; and, Man’s Sin Exchanged for Christ’s Righteousness.
Below you will find Spurgeon’s morning thoughts followed by the hymn he cited as he closed those thoughts: My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less. The hymn is a video by Brian Cochran, he sings the song while playing guitar; lyrics are pasted in for those who might want to sing along. I find it easy to sing along with his songs, it is like being in church and singing along with the congregation. Spurgeon’s evening thoughts follow hymn and lyrics.
This post contains a thorough video explanation of the biggest errors of the Roman Catholic Church. Those errors are concerning the doctrine of justification as presented in the Bible. Dr. James White gives an overview of those during the initial 3 minutes of the video and I have provided a few more specifics to help readers who are unfamiliar with that doctrine. [Host site video description.] “Why Catholicism is dangerous. With Voddie Baucham, James White, Matt Walsh, Michael Knowles, Pope Francis, and Robert Barron.”
Pastor Hines opened by reading the following passages: Titus 2:11-14; Romans 5:17-21; Romans 3:20-26; Genesis 3:22-24; and Genesis 2:16, 17. Afterwards, he shared a 2 minute quotation from a book on justification written by Michael Horton which conveyed misunderstandings that he and his wife had about justification even though they had been instructed in a biblical church. Part of the quotation from Michael Horton’s book is as follows: Many people have told me “I feel like there was grace for me at the beginning sufficient to be saved; I was totally forgiven, slate wiped clean…;” but now it seems like, “do more, be more… and I wonder if there is still enough grace for me after blowing it so many times.” Pastor Hines is preaching on this doctrine so people do not have to go around wondering such things, but can be more secure via a biblical understanding….
Spurgeon’s morning thoughts were on, “My heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.” — Psa_22:14; and his evening thoughts, on: “The king’s garden.” — Neh_3:15. And it goes without saying that the writing is full of meaningful, poetic metaphors; the pictures of which increase insight. [I discovered his thoughts when I went to E-sword Bible software to get some scripture for tomorrows post, and was happy to see that today’s thoughts prepare the way to hear tomorrow’s post, even though each stand alone.]
The sermon in this post by Pastor Ramsey, examines Paul’s arguments for justification by faith in Galatians 3: 6-9. Understanding this material is foundational to your Christian walk, particularly because the doctrines in this text are largely misunderstood by the contemporary church. To put it differently, if you do not understand the contents of this portion of scripture, then you will not be able to identify when you are committing the spiritually fatal error of seeking to be made right with God by works, instead of by faith. Pastor Ramsey clearly presents Paul’s arguments; thereby arming readers to more easily see their own errors; to throw off such idolatry, via depending upon the Lord in prayer….