This post aims to define faith (via excerpts from Dr. J. Piper; and Dr. S. Ferguson). The excerpt by Piper is more about the battle of faith against unbelief; it provides insight into how unbelief derails a Christian; Piper also confronts a common social doctrine held by mainstream Christians; Ferguson’s 2 minute video provides the best definition of faith I have heard, it is an excerpt of a Ligonier Bible class. The 32 minute sermon from which the Piper excerpt was taken is also provided for those who would know more.
Sheeplywolves — Mat 7:15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.
Mat 7:14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
Despised and Rejected, by Pastor Patrick Ramsey
The true interpretation of the cross: Jesus is the Son of God, incarnate; the Messiah, the Christ, the Savior of the world, who willingly went to the cross; He came to be despised and rejected in order to deliver us from sin… So we would not be despised and rejected by God on judgment day, for our sin… He came to redeem us from the curse, by being a curse for us
The Inescapable Corruption of Sin, Dr. John MacArthur
Dr. MacArthur talks about God’s inescapable law of sowing and reaping in the context of our current social crises; in the process, he takes listeners to numerous books of the Bible: Genesis, the prophets, and mostly Revelation. His conclusion is that this nation is doomed, yet there remains hope of individuals being saved from God’s coming wrath
What is a Christian?
Pastor Ramsey asked the question, What does it mean to be a Christian? He answered that question with a definition that included explaining our union with Christ and how that occurs. He closed by giving several practical benefits of our union with Christ, that all born-again Christians possess. [I provided written sermon points for his mp4 sermon, and I gave more than highlights because this is such an important, foundational sermon.]
This 28 minute sermon will help you understand the blessings you possess because you are a Christian.
The Heart of the Gospel, by Dr. Patrick Ramsey
Dr. Ramsey’s text is 1 Corinthians 15: 1-10 which he expounds to help his listeners understand that the cross is the heart of the gospel; that without it there could be no gospel; that the gospel is able to save those who believe because it is empowered by God to deal with our sin; the benefits we experience when we believe the gospel – that the gospel removes the guilt and defilement that sin causes; that those who are united to Christ by faith receive these blessings…28 minute mp4, sermon highlights provided
Do You Think You Have A Lowly Calling From God? Be Encouraged Via Jeremiah Burroughs’ Insights
This post contains a section of Jeremiah Burroughs’ book, Rare Jewel Of Christian Contentment; therein, he provided many insights that encourage instead of discourage one who perceives himself to have a low, insignificant calling from God. His book is all about how Christians should receive (unavoidable) afflictions from the hand of God – without murmuring, without rebelling, seeking pleasurable escape…because thereby, they bring chastisement upon themselves; furthermore, they dishonor God and Christ by murmuring….
The Significance of Passover, R.C. Sproul
The 23 minute lesson by R C Sproul in this post instructs on the connectedness among the following ceremonies and doctrines: the Passover; the Lord’s Supper; Salvation from the wrath of God by Christ’s atoning work; Calvary; and the resurrection. Listeners will better understand the relatedness of all these ceremonies and events. Those who never understood how it was that Christ is the only way of salvation from God the Father’s wrath against sin, will be given a clear picture of that reality.
A Picture of Biblical Repentance
This post contains a few verses that refer mostly to how sinners ought to view themselves during repentance; furthermore, Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven;” suggest such attitudes and thoughts about oneself. The beatitudes were Jesus’ description of His true kingdom citizens; the truly regenerate; those truly born-again. Note what the first verse says about how God feels when He is sinned against; and how those who sin against Him should view themselves during repentance (please read the context of the following verses on your own for greater understanding).
NAS Bible:
Q&A from Ligonier Conference 2021, Right Now Counts Forever, Day 3
Five Ligonier Fellows answered questions during their 3 day conference in Florida. A conference overview is featured on a 1 minute video to give readers a sense of what it was about. The video featuring the Q&A panel is linked. Questions were as follows: Q1. How can one grow in the fear of God and decrease in the fear of man? [0 – 7m] Q2. The Psalmist David used to pray for God to deal with his enemies, why don’t people pray such prayers today? Q3. How can we become more blameless? Q4. Must a person forsake his sins to come to Christ? Q5. Is the doctrine of election a primary doctrine? [16:30 – 21m] Q6. How would you counsel someone who struggles with unbelief / doubt [someone who lacks assurance]? [21m – 38:30] Q7. When Moses spoke with God, was that a real manifestation of God or what? [38:30 – 40:30] Q8 and 9. What is the future of reformed theology? What is the future church facing? [40:30 – 48m]
Signs of False Prophets in The Church by Voddie Baucham
In the Sermon On The Mount, Jesus exhorted that His followers examine the fruits of teachers to distinguish the true from the false – fruits are explained by Dr. Baucham. Dr. Baucham emphasized the necessity of knowing scripture as it is what preachers and teachers are to be explaining; and if you do not understand what is on the pages of scripture, then there is no way you can identify a false teacher; he also explained how to evaluate teachers and their doctrines and more