The purpose of this post is to explain more technically why a Christian cannot be both a Christian and a Marxist; why a non-atheist cannot
Category: Study Helps
UN-BIBLICAL PREACHING ILLUSTRATED: Steven Furtick – Revives “Little gods” Doctrine….
My last post illustrated biblical preaching that glorifies God and edifies the sheep of God; it used a video of a Voddie Baucham sermon: the World, the Flesh and the Devil. The videos in this post, sermons by Steven Furtick, illustrate preaching that blasphemes God and leads God’s sheep far astray. This two-part mini-series came out of a question a reader asked me regarding the nature of biblical preaching and its opposite. Each of these two posts list THREE POINTS that help listeners determine whether a sermon is from a biblical preacher or a counterfeit preacher.
James 1: 2-11 – Trials – Pastor Patrick Ramsey
This post contains a sermon from James 1: 2-11 on God’s purpose in sending trials and how to deal with them such that you might begin to know Christian maturity, fullness… being made perfect. Since all Christians will encounter trials from God to grow their faith, it is critical that you know how to go through these trials; upon what you should focus and why that ought to be your focus. This sermon makes those things very clear.
Helpful Devotional Habits – Pastor Sinclair Ferguson
In the 3-minute video of this post, pastor Sinclair Ferguson is questioned about his Bible study habits and explains how these have changed over his life. As we enter a new year, you might be encouraged to develop some new study habits after hearing his.
Where Should I Start Reading Calvin? – Pastor Matthew Everhard
Since the preceding post was about unity with Christ, and Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion was mentioned therein, I thought it a good idea to include a post on the benefits of Calvin’s work. The following 13-minute video by pastor Everhard, is a very nice assessment of Calvin’s works for the believer, the benefits of partaking…. Other theologians are also very briefly considered in those terms.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ – Booklet – by Paul Washer
This post is for people who aren’t quite clear on the gospel and want to know it better; or for those who have witnessed the gospel and want to also provide material for reviewing discussion points…. The initial couple of minutes of the video explaining Washer’s booklet cover the following points: who is God; what is man – it is essential that believers understand these two points from a biblical perspective; what God has done to satisfy His own justice and to simultaneously be able to show mercy to the wicked; why was the resurrection necessary; what does it mean to believe; how can you know that you believe; what does it mean to repent; how can you know that you actually have repented; what is assurance and how can you grow in it….
Justification by Faith Alone; Faith; and Repentance explained
This post contains two linked posts from this blog that explain justification by faith alone; faith; and repentance. One video by Paul Washer provides an example of trusting in his performance instead of the finished work of Christ. That is the reason for using these linked posts; but I wanted to further provide a fuller definition of justification by various pastors by way of very brief videos. These are foundational doctrines of the Christian faith with which believers should be more than familiar.
R C Sproul: How Much Time Do You Spend Studying The Bible?
In the following 2-minute video, R C Sproul clarifies what ‘studying the Bible’ actually means. He gently confronts those who do their ‘devotions’ in order to check it off their list for the day. His words provide necessary instruction to all those who would make it on to the ‘narrow way.’
What is the Westminster Confession of Faith?
This post contains the first video from Dr John Gerstner’s series on the Westminster Confession of Faith. The purpose of this post is to introduce Christians to confessions and their purpose in the Christian life. Dr Gerstner reads through chapter 1 of the WCF and briefly explains the purpose of the writers and how a student of the Bible can benefit from using this confession in Bible study. Links are provided to various confessions
Proverbs 2:1-6 Charles Bridges Commentary
To me, the following scripture passage gives much direction and encouragement about how and why to study the word of God. As we get ready to enter into a new year, these words may be the encouragement you need to more consistently meet with God there. Charles Bridges’ commentary makes this passage very clear: Proverbs 2:1-6 [KJV]