The Reformation's third pillar, Sola Gratia, emphasizes that salvation is by grace alone, not through human cooperation or works. This concept is rooted in the Bible's teaching that God's grace is a person, Jesus Christ, who redeems us from our sins. The Reformers rejected the medieval view of salvation as a combination of God's grace and human effort, instead affirming that God's demerited favor is the sole cause of our salvation. This understanding of grace is seen in the lives of biblical figures such as Abraham and Adam, who received God's unilateral covenant promise despite their sinfulness. Ultimately, the purpose of God's grace is to bring glory to Himself, as He saves sinners through Jesus Christ and attributes all glory to Him alone. [... more]

We are citizens of the kingdom ruled by the ruler of the kings of the earth, and we must live in subjection to a loving God who says, I created you for my purpose. I have a plan to bless your life. I don't want to do you harm. I want to do you good. Living right will do you good, and there are blessings associated with living right. [... more]

Matt Slick discusses various Bible doctrines, including the nature of God, salvation, and the return of Christ. He also examines the teachings of Mormonism and the concept of apostasy, highlighting the importance of following scripture and the dangers of false gospels. [... more]

The book of Revelation reveals a scene in heaven where God's redeemed people and all of creation are consumed in worship, giving glory to God's greatness and perfection. This scene shows that worship is where it's all headed and that it's what we're created for, as God's ultimate purpose is to give us a glimpse of his glory. The story of Jesus Christ's salvation is the key to understanding this scene, as he came to earth not as a lion, but as a lamb, to take the judgment of God in our place and give us the life we've always wanted. [... more]

The Apostle Paul's ministry in Corinth was marked by opposition from the Jewish community, but he persevered and eventually established a thriving church. Paul's message of Jesus Christ as the Messiah was met with hostility, but he continued to preach and teach, leading many to faith, including the synagogue ruler Crispus and his household. Paul's words to the Jewish people, 'Your blood be on your own heads,' serve as a reminder of the spiritual responsibility to share the truth of Jesus Christ with others, and the accountability that comes with failing to do so. [... more]

Saul, the future king of Israel, is introduced as a man of external appearance, but lacking in spiritual depth. His character is contrasted with that of David, who is described as having a heart after God. The importance of spiritual discernment and the need to prioritize God's truth over human feelings are emphasized. [... more]

The greatest wealth and wisdom a person can possess is found in Jesus Christ, who indwells in believers and provides all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Christian maturity requires community, discernment, and a Christ-centered life, resulting in spiritual growth and thankfulness. [... more]

The Christian life is a complete package with endless riches from the moment you're saved, including the greatness of God's plan, power, and person, which are made possible by the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ, and understanding these riches can transform your life and give you a secure faith. [... more]

The Bible's prophecy of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is fulfilled in the 22nd Psalm, which describes the events leading up to and including the crucifixion, including the mocking and ridicule of Jesus, the piercing of his hands and feet, and the casting of lots for his clothing. This psalm is a testament to the inspired Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to guide the writers of Scripture. [... more]

Dr. Robert Jeffress explores the importance of selflessness and helping others in a hostile world, using examples from the Bible and real-life stories, including the account of Brian Clark and Stanley Primeneth, who risked their lives to save each other on 9-11. [... more]

Starting strong is good, but finishing strong is better. Pastor Greg Laurie shares practical insights on how to maintain a strong spiritual life, including staying focused, obeying God's word, and separating oneself from ungodly influences. He emphasizes the importance of making public commitments, such as marriage and baptism, and encourages listeners to live a life of obedience and faithfulness to God. [... more]

The Book of Revelation describes the wrath of God as a series of judgments that will be poured out on the earth, including painful sores, oceans turned to blood, and freshwater sources turned to blood, ultimately leading to the destruction of the Antichrist's kingdom and the establishment of God's sovereign rule. [... more]

The Bible talks about heart, it's not talking about the organ that the cardiologist looks at when something doesn't seem in rhythm. It's talking about your mind, your intellectual center, your emotions, your emotional center, your will, your volitional center. It's talking about where your morality takes place, where your mind thinks, where you feel. It's talking about the place where God works. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth and believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. [... more]

God calls us to move from apathy to action, from mediocrity to greatness, and from being spiritual couch potatoes to being active, aggressive, obedient, joyful servants of Christ. Three virtues that will help us achieve this are obedience, diligence, and resilience, which will spark us and ignite us to get moving and make a difference in the world. [... more]

The speaker emphasizes the importance of being a genuine Christian, not just a title or a label. They encourage listeners to examine their lives and actions, and to strive for spiritual growth and humility. The message also touches on the theme of persecution and the need for Christians to be prepared to face challenges and adversity. [... more]

God's spiritual authority is separate from civil authority, and Christians must be careful not to mix the two. The people of Israel wanted a king like the other nations, but God warned them that this would lead to a loss of spiritual sensitivity and a shallow faith. Samuel, the prophet, warned the people of the consequences of their choice, but they refused to listen. The monarchy was established, and the people were given a king, but they soon realized that this was not the solution to their problems. The Christian must be willing to suffer for Christ and not be ashamed of their faith, even in the face of persecution. [... more]

When faced with challenges and doubts, Christians must choose to stay faithful and committed to Christ, trusting in His plan and continuing to obey Him no matter what. Pastor Jack Hibbs teaches that determination means choosing not to give up, even when there are reasons that seem convincing enough to do just that, and that it's always too soon to quit following God's will. [... more]

Paul teaches that spiritual maturity requires community, discernment, and a Christ-centered life. He emphasizes the importance of being knit together in love with fellow believers and being discerning of false teaching. In Colossians 2, Paul presents Christ as the treasure of wisdom and knowledge, and encourages believers to focus on maturing in Christ rather than seeking secrets or techniques for a victorious and prosperous Christian life. [... more]

The relationship between faith and works is explored in the context of salvation, with a focus on the Christian faith and the concept of salvation by grace through faith alone. The discussion raises questions about the authenticity of a person's faith and the consequences of their actions, highlighting the importance of good works as a result of salvation rather than a condition of it. [... more]

The concept of an innocent blood sacrifice is rooted in the Bible, with God performing the initial atonement for Adam and Eve. The sacrificial system was later instituted through Moses, with various individuals, including Abel, Noah, Abraham, and Jacob, offering animal sacrifices to the Lord. The Passover Lamb became a symbol of God's deliverance of the Israelites and was directly applied to Jesus as our Passover, who was sacrificed for us. [... more]

The biblical view of salvation is that it grants believers everything in Christ, with no need for a search for something more. The doctrine of salvation emphasizes Christ's sufficiency, and the Holy Spirit's role in revealing spiritual truths to believers. Understanding the heart, or the thinking process, is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie shares a message on the importance of studying God's word, obeying His commands, and seeking revival in one's life. He uses the story of Nehemiah 8 to illustrate the signs of revival, including a hunger for God's word, spontaneous worship, and obedience to God's commands. He also emphasizes the need to examine oneself and be filled with the Holy Spirit, and encourages listeners to receive communion as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and a time of examination and anticipation. [... more]

Jesus' words in the Gospel of John and the Sermon on the Mount emphasize the importance of enduring persecution and standing for righteousness' sake. The reward for doing so is a heavenly kingdom, and Jesus' example of enduring hostility and shame on the cross is a model for believers to follow. The church has a long history of persecution, but with courage and faith, believers can overcome their fears and remain steadfast in their devotion to Christ. [... more]

A former Navy SEAL shares his story of finding fulfillment and identity in Jesus Christ, and how his faith helped him navigate the challenges of his life and military service. He also shares the importance of evangelism and spreading the gospel message, and how it is a mission given to all Christians. [... more]

Peter Rosenberger shares his personal connection to Memorial Day, reflecting on his father's experiences as a Navy chaplain, and the weight of delivering casualty notifications. He also interviews Lieutenant Colonel Michael Frazier, a military chaplain, about the history of the chaplaincy and the importance of remembering the fallen. [... more]

Growing in your faith and serving others is essential for spiritual maturity, which involves a living, personal, and vibrant relationship with Christ. To achieve this, one must focus on proclaiming Christ, warning others, and teaching them with all wisdom, as Paul emphasizes in Colossians 1. This process requires hard work, perseverance, and a dependence on God's power and energy, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding and love for Christ. [... more]

True Christians are marked by faith in Jesus and love for others, and understanding their position in Christ is crucial for living the Christian life. Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23 is for believers to have the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God, enabling them to grasp the riches of their inheritance in Christ and live accordingly. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie shares insights from the book of Nehemiah, emphasizing the importance of resisting the devil's temptations and staying focused on God's plan. He encourages listeners to pray, take care of their character, and finish the work God has called them to do, ultimately leading to a spiritual awakening and a deeper relationship with God. [... more]

The story of Mordecai, a righteous man who was overlooked by the king, illustrates that God's timing may feel slow, but he misses nothing. Despite appearances, God was at work behind the scenes, scripting each movement on the stage, and Mordecai's courageous decision to save the king's life was eventually rewarded. The account shows that when all seems lost, it isn't, and when no one seems to notice, God notices. It also highlights the importance of trusting in God's justice and not seeking vengeance. [... more]

The gospel of grace offers freedom from the burdens of the law, allowing believers to live a life dependent on God's love and faith working through love, resulting in transformation and a deeper relationship with Christ. [... more]

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]

Chad Williams shares his story of becoming a Navy SEAL, from his initial decision to join the military to his grueling training and deployment in Iraq. He pays tribute to his mentor and coach, Scott Helvenston, who was killed in action, and reflects on the lessons he learned about perseverance, sacrifice, and the human condition. [... more]

The Apostle John's vision of Jesus' glory is revealed through prophecy, praise, and perseverance, especially in times of suffering and solitude. John's experience on Patmos teaches us to surrender to God's will, trust in His goodness, and seek to serve Him in all circumstances. [... more]

The Bible's underlying message is the good news that God justifies the ungodly by grace through faith alone, a message that has been consistent from the beginning of the story of redemption, starting with Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15, and unfolding through the promises made to Abraham, with Jesus being the fulfillment of all God's promises. [... more]

The Bible teaches that everyone will die and enter the afterlife, where they will face judgment. Christians believe they will go straight to heaven, while non-believers will go to hell, a place of torment and suffering. Jesus spoke more about hell than any other preacher in the Bible, emphasizing its reality and the need to warn people about it. The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 illustrates the consequences of living a life without God, leading to a place of torment and suffering in the afterlife. [... more]

The Christian life is one of both rest and labor, resting on what Christ has accomplished while diligently serving him day by day. We find our peace in His promises, our strength in His power, and our joy in His service, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. [... more]

Evangelist Tim Lee shares his personal story of transformation from a rebellious teenager to a Marine who lost his legs in Vietnam, and how God called him to preach. He reflects on the significance of Memorial Day, honoring those who gave their lives for their country, and connects it to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave his life for humanity's salvation. [... more]

Paul's exhortation to the Thessalonians emphasizes the importance of living a holy life, avoiding sexual immorality, and being sanctified to please God. He warns that immorality cheats brothers and sisters, God will avenge immorality, and it's a direct offense against God. The model church walks with God by being sanctified, growing towards God, and away from sin, ultimately embracing a holy life to be like Jesus Christ. [... more]

The Bible teaches that the creation of the world provides evidence of God's existence and power, making it inexcusable for people to reject Him. From the heavens to the firmament, God's handiwork is clearly visible, and His nature and power are understood by those who observe creation. This truth is used to refute theistic evolutionists and progressive creationists, who believe the creation occurred billions of years before humans appeared on Earth. Instead, the Bible assures us that men and women have been on Earth since its beginning, and all should have recognized and worshipped the true Creator God. [... more]

A demon-possessed man's dramatic transformation by Jesus Christ serves as an illustration of the human condition, where people are ruled by dark and sinister forces outside of Christ, and the only way to be set free is through the pain of transformation by Christ's power and grace. [... more]