The early Christian church grew strong despite facing intense persecution, with the blood of martyrs becoming the seed of the church. Jesus taught that persecution is a natural consequence of following him, and that those who are persecuted for his name's sake will be hated by the world. Throughout history, the church has faced numerous persecutions, from the Roman Empire to modern-day Muslim countries, but has continued to thrive and spread the gospel. [... more]

The doctrine of sola gratia, or grace alone, is central to the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing that salvation is solely the work of God's grace in the soul. This concept is rooted in the teachings of Augustine, who argued that humanity's fallen nature renders us morally impotent, unable to choose the things of God without divine intervention. In contrast, semi-Pelagianism posits that human beings have the power to choose God, albeit with the assistance of God's grace. The Reformation's emphasis on sola gratia highlights the importance of divine initiative in salvation, underscoring that our salvation is not based on our own efforts or decisions, but rather on God's sovereign grace. [... more]

The blessings of God are with his people, providing grace, love, and fellowship through the Trinity. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit are all present in the life of a believer, giving them confidence and assurance in the face of uncertainty. [... more]

A real-life Rosie the Riveter shares her story of working in airplane factories during World War II, overcoming adversity, and inspiring patriotism in the next generation. Her experiences highlight the importance of women in the workforce, the power of American spirit, and the enduring legacy of those who served during the war. [... more]

The Bible teaches that God is able to keep us from stumbling and falling away from the faith, and that He will present us before His glory with great joy. This is a real-time assurance that doesn't matter when it is or where we are, and it's a reminder of our neediness and the total sufficiency of Jesus Christ. God is worthy of exclusive praise, highest praise, and unending praise, and He is the only God who is our Savior and worthy of praise for His glory, majesty, dominion, and authority. [... more]

Financial decisions often reveal deeper heart issues, and a biblical perspective can help answer questions about money, security, and peace of mind. A certified kingdom advisor can provide guidance on managing God's money God's way and finding freedom rooted in contentment, not comparison. [... more]

The benediction in Hebrews 13:20-21 declares God's power to equip believers with everything good to do His will, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's strength and peace, rather than relying on human effort or ability. [... more]

The purpose of prayer is not just to receive answers, but to glorify God. The Bible teaches that God is able to answer our biggest requests and deserves our highest praise. This is seen in the doxology in Ephesians 3, where Paul declares that God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, and that He deserves glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations. [... more]

An emergency fund acts as a financial shock absorber, providing stability and breathing room during uncertain times. Wise financial planning involves considering factors such as income stability, job loss, and medical emergencies when determining the right amount to save. Understanding Social Security and disability insurance can help individuals plan for retirement and navigate complex financial situations. Charitable giving through qualified charitable distributions can also be a strategic way to reduce taxable income and give back to the community. [... more]

The doctrine of justification is central to the Christian faith, with the Roman Catholic Church teaching that faith, grace, and Christ are necessary for salvation, while the Protestant Reformation emphasizes faith alone, the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, and the gospel as the grounds for justification. [... more]

Biblical Calvinism is a warm and deeply personal faith that emphasizes the love of God, the Triune God's nature, and the believer's communion with Him. Calvinists believe that the love of God is the fountainhead of the Gospel and the source of all sweetness in life. They seek to understand and experience this love through faith in Jesus Christ, and to respond with adoring and thankful love to God. [... more]

The nature of a true church is discussed, with emphasis on the marks of a valid church, including the faithful preaching of the gospel, the administration of sacraments, and authentic discipline. The importance of discerning between a true and false church is highlighted, and guidance is provided on when to leave a church, including situations where the church is corrupt, apostate, or failing to discipline its members. [... more]

Historically, being an evangelical meant adhering to a particular confession, but today it's often defined by methodology rather than theology. The unity of the invisible church remains, but the visible church has become fragmented, with many churches prioritizing peace and unity over purity of doctrine. [... more]

Historic Christianity has always struggled with heresy and the impact of liberalism on the church, leading to division and the need for unity and purity in doctrine and practice. [... more]

The church's unity is rooted in a unified confession of faith in the person and work of Christ, and its content is something believers agree with. Historically, the church has been defined by its confessional basis, but in recent times, there has been a trend to broaden the confessional basis to accommodate diverse views, leading to a loss of confessional purity and a fragmented church. [... more]

God requires faith and trust in Christ for the benefits of his death to be ours. The story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac illustrates the depth of trust required, as he rises early to fulfill God's command, even when it seems impossible. [... more]

The brother of Jesus, James, emphasizes the importance of keeping promises and not swearing oaths, as it recognizes God's authority and acknowledges His omnipresence. He stresses that true faith is demonstrated through works and that breaking promises can lead to pain and consequences. [... more]

The Bible promises a glorious future in heaven where believers will see God as he is, experience eternal joy, and live in a world without sorrow, pain, or death. The beatific vision is a direct and immediate apprehension of the invisible God, and it's a promise that will be fulfilled in heaven. The description of heaven in the Bible includes streets of gold, gates of pearls, and a city that shines with the radiance of God's glory. [... more]

The Psalms are a treasure that provide us with language to communicate with God, celebrating God's character, works, and goodness. Psalm 145 is a marvelous example of an alphabetical psalm, praising God's greatness, mercy, and love, and highlighting the universality of God's love and mercy. The psalmist's enthusiasm for God's works and character is contagious, and the psalm serves as a fitting conclusion to the Psalter, emphasizing the importance of personal and communal worship. [... more]

The book of Psalms is a treasure that gives us language to express our emotions to God, and many Psalms point us to Christ. Psalm 127, written by Solomon, is a reflection on the blessing of God's people, emphasizing that all labors will amount to nothing if the Lord is not working for us and in us and with us. The psalm celebrates the blessing of children, the defense of the family, and the prosperity and protection of the city, ultimately pointing forward to Jesus as the true fulfillment of everything that had been pointed to and anticipated in all that had been said about the king. [... more]

One of the greatest treasures of the gospel is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit Today Derek Thomas invites Christians to revel in the glorious hope that the Spirit brings Get R C Sproul's commentary on Romans and Derek Thomas' video teaching series on Romans with your donation You'll receive the book the DVD digital access to all messages and the digital study guide https gift renewingyourmind org Live outside the U S and Canada Request the ebook digital teaching series and digital study guide with your donation https www renewingyourmind org global Meet Today's Teacher Derek Thomas is a [... more]

The Christian is alive, living for God, and at peace, with the Holy Spirit guiding their thoughts and actions. The Bible teaches that a true work of God is evident in a person's mindset, with the Holy Spirit's thoughts and priorities becoming their own. As believers grow in Christ, they develop a pattern of responding to the gospel and defaulting to spiritual thoughts, revealing their true identity in Jesus. [... more]

A homeless man named Ted is given $100,000 and documents his spending and financial decisions, revealing the challenges of managing sudden wealth and the difficulties of overcoming personal demons and societal expectations. [... more]

The gospel is Trinitarian in origin and shape, involving the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Romans 8 is a reminder that in Jesus Christ, we are children of God, and we are heirs, and we are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. There is no condemnation and no possibility of separation from his love. [... more]

The Bible teaches that hell is a place of eternal punishment, where the wicked will be actively punished by God. The concept of hell is often misunderstood, with some thinking it's simply separation from God, but it's actually separation from God's grace, care, and love. The Bible also teaches that there are degrees of punishment in hell, with those who have committed multiple offenses receiving a greater punishment. The doctrine of annihilationism, which suggests that the wicked will be annihilated rather than punished eternally, is also discussed. [... more]

Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas engaged in a series of debates in 1858 that would shape the course of American history. The debates centered on the issue of slavery and the principles of democracy, with Lincoln arguing that slavery was morally wrong and Douglas advocating for popular sovereignty. The debates made Lincoln a national figure and set him on the path to the presidency, while also defining the American experiment as the pursuit of natural rights embodied in the Declaration of Independence. [... more]

The portrayal of Satan in modern culture is vastly different from the biblical depiction, where he is described as the angel of light, a roaring lion, and a formidable opponent. Christians must be aware of the reality of Satan's power and influence, but also avoid overestimating his abilities, lest they fall into the error of attributing divine powers to a creature. [... more]

The struggle between the flesh and the spirit is a central theme in Christianity, as exemplified by the life of Aurelius Augustine, who was converted by a passage that spoke directly to the conflict in life between the flesh and the spirit. The Bible teaches that the flesh refers to the old fallen nature, and that to be carnally minded is death, while to be spiritually minded is life and peace. [... more]

Jesus taught that Christians should not retreat from the world, but rather live in it while being preserved from evil. The Bible calls for non-conformity to the world's standards, but not for the sake of being different, rather to be transformed by the renewal of one's mind and to live a life of excellence, going beyond the structures and systems of the present world. [... more]

Robert E. Lee, a complex and beloved general, made a decision that would alter the course of his life and history. He rejected command of the Union Army and resigned from the military, citing his inability to raise his sword against his native state of Virginia. However, Lee's decision was not as straightforward as it seemed, and he was motivated by a desire to preserve his family's property and protect his relatives in Virginia. Lee's military strategy was to plunge the Army of Virginia deep into the North to sow chaos and undermine the Union's will to fight. He crossed the Potomac and marched his army northwards, but his plan was foiled by the Federal Army's determination and tenacity. The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal moment in the Civil War, and Lee's defeat marked a turning point in the conflict. Despite his military setbacks, Lee remained a respected and admired leader, and his legacy continues to be debated and studied by historians today. [... more]

The pursuit of righteousness is a central theme in the Christian life, with Jesus emphasizing the importance of exceeding the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. Dr. Sprohl explores the concept of righteousness, discussing its relationship to faith, justification, and sanctification, and highlighting the dangers of external religiosity and the need for authentic obedience to God's commands. [... more]

The Christian life is about living in the presence of God, under His authority, and to His honor and glory. It requires perseverance and faithfulness, pressing beyond plateaus and obstacles to seek the kingdom of God. This lifelong pursuit is the chief business of the Christian, and it involves coming under the discipline of someone more mature, seeking to please God and honor Him in all aspects of life. [... more]

Coming to the throne of grace, we find mercy and help in time of need. As children of God, we have instantaneous access to His presence, and He provides exactly what we need, whether it's comfort, forgiveness, or encouragement. The Heavenly Father's love and goodness are undeserving, and He desires continuous fellowship and conversation with us, making our relationship with Him the most satisfying and contenting experience in life. [... more]

Jesus warns people about the day of judgment, where God will hold everyone accountable for their actions, and only those who have done the will of God will enter heaven. The Bible teaches that our lives count and that we will be judged by the standards of God's sacred will. Jesus emphasizes that every idle word and every intentional word will be brought into the judgment, and that our works will be the basis for our reward or punishment. [... more]

The parable of the talents teaches that Christians are stewards of the gifts and abilities God has given them, and they must be productive and faithful in their use. The master's return will bring an accounting of how each servant has managed the talents entrusted to them, and those who have been faithful and productive will be rewarded, while those who have been lazy and unfaithful will be punished. [... more]

Jesus' declaration that he is the Good Shepherd, who gives his life for his sheep, is a powerful metaphor for his relationship with God and his followers. The Good Shepherd knows his sheep and is known by them, and he lays down his life for them. This concept is tied to the imagery of the barrier to access in the Old Testament, where Christ's death removed the veil between God and humanity. Jesus' words also introduce the idea of the New Covenant, where God's sheep are not limited to Israel but come from every tongue and tribe and nation. [... more]

Jesus teaches that he is the door to the sheepfold, emphasizing the exclusive way to salvation and the importance of recognizing him as the only mediator between God and man. He contrasts himself with false messiahs and thieves who try to lead people astray, highlighting the importance of following him to achieve eternal life and protection. [... more]

A former Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, uncovers a conspiracy behind the 2020 impeachment of President Trump, revealing a deep state effort to bring down a sitting president. Meanwhile, the ACLJ exposes the Biden administration's weaponization of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, targeting pro-life individuals and shielding pro-abortion groups. The ACLJ's work is highlighted in a DOJ report, showing a dual system of justice and the use of pro-abortion groups as a secret police force. [... more]

The return of Jesus is a central theme in Christian theology, with many prophecies and predictions in the Bible. Despite ongoing debate and controversy, the Bible teaches that Jesus will return visibly and gloriously, bringing judgment and salvation to all people. Understanding the timing and nature of Jesus' return is crucial for Christians, and various interpretations and theories have emerged over the centuries. [... more]

North Carolina's rural healthcare system is on unstable footing, with hospital leaders warning of potential closures due to financial strain. The state legislature is considering a $213 million plan to stabilize and transform care in rural areas. Meanwhile, a lawsuit is underway challenging the Trump administration's tariff policies, with multiple states, including North Carolina, joining the suit. Additionally, wildfires are burning across the state, with agricultural officials warning of the risks facing communities statewide. [... more]