Jonah's reluctance to obey God and his subsequent anger at the people of Nineveh's repentance serve as a lesson in the importance of obedience, repentance, and God's sovereignty in salvation. The pursuit of holiness and the need for brokenness in order to say yes to God's will are also explored. [... more]

The Bible shows how the Lord kept his promises to ordinary, everyday, faithless, godless sinners who didn't deserve it, revealing a message of justification by faith alone, which has been God's method of salvation for sinners from the beginning, as seen in the story of Abraham and the unfolding redemptive plan of God, which centers on the promises made to Abraham and finds its fullest expression in Christ, who is the fulfillment of all the promises of the Old Testament and the heart of the gospel. [... more]

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]

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]

Walking in the light, as children of the light, is to walk in the knowledge of God's holiness, glory, and love. It's to live in the light of God's knowledge, where goodness, righteousness, and truth are evident. This is the result of walking in the light, and it's the test of true faith. To walk in the light is to expose the unfruitful works of darkness, to reveal them, and to navigate through life with precision and care. [... 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]

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]

Matt Slick discusses various topics including the importance of holiness in God, the sovereignty of God, and the role of faith in salvation. He also answers listener questions on topics such as Psalm 46:10, the Israelites' instruction to wipe out entire peoples, and the concept of the Nephilim. Additionally, Matt shares his thoughts on the state of Christianity in America and the need for qualified pastors to run for governmental office. [... more]

The Bible is a source of transformation, not just information, and approaching it with an open heart, a closed mouth, and a teachable spirit is essential for spiritual maturity. James 1 emphasizes the importance of being quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, and to deal with sin and wickedness in humility, receiving the word implanted in us to save our souls. [... more]

John's letter to his children emphasizes the importance of confidence in their relationship with God, which is rooted in their love for one another and generosity towards those in need. He explains that our hearts can condemn us for our failure to love, but we must persuade our hearts with the comforting truth that God is greater than our hearts and knows all things. This persuasion leads to confidence in prayer and generosity towards others. [... more]

The true believer in Jesus Christ does not lose their salvation, but will continue in the faith, living a life of holiness and steadfastness, as they are kept by God's grace and presented holy and blameless before the Lord on the great day of reckoning. [... more]

Jesus' actions in the temple courtyard during Passover reveal his zeal for his father's house and his authority to cleanse it. The Lamb of God becomes the lion of the tribe of Judah, revealing God's wrath and love. Understanding God's wrath is essential to salvation, and Jesus' payment on the cross shields us from God's wrath, allowing us to have peace with God. [... more]

In the presence of God, we see our sin, His holiness, and it brings about a deep repentance. There is cleansing, forgiveness, and hope. We begin to see that the people around us need the forgiveness and the grace of God even as we do. [... more]

The Christian gospel offers unchanging and unchangeable hope, providing security in a world of uncertainty. Through reconciliation with God, believers are presented as holy, blameless, and above reproach, and the true believer perseveres in faith, secure in their salvation. [... more]

The importance of being pro-life and understanding the root causes of societal ills, including the substitution of self for God, is discussed. A biblical perspective on morality and redemption is presented, highlighting the need for a change in how society views God and its consequences. [... more]

Generosity is a fundamental aspect of Christianity, as demonstrated by the example of Christ who laid down his life for others. The Holy Spirit guides believers to give generously to those in need, prioritizing support for the church and fellow believers, while also encouraging universal giving to all people. This generosity is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, effecting change in the hearts of believers and creating a similar generosity in their lives. [... more]

The book of 1 John is not a series of tests for assurance of salvation, but rather a letter to assure believers of their faith in Jesus Christ. John contrasts the children of God with the children of the devil, highlighting the love and generosity of those who trust in Jesus, and the meanness and tight-fistedness of those who reject Him. [... more]

Marriage is not about living in perfect harmony, but about two imperfect people sharing a life together. Tension and conflict are inevitable, but they can be addressed with love and character, rather than hatred and resentment. By choosing to cover offenses with love, couples can strengthen their relationships and become more holy and happy. [... more]

The church is a precious reality on earth, built by the Lord himself, and the only earthly expression of heaven. It is a place of worship, exaltation of Christ, and pursuit of holiness, where believers can experience fellowship with the saints and be a source of truth in the world. [... more]

People enjoy hearing stories about God's love and forgiveness But we can't fully appreciate God's mercy until we fully revere His holiness Dr Robert Jeffress warns that while God will forgive those who ask for it He will also judge those who reject His gift of salvation To support Pathway to Victory go to ptv org donate [... more]

Understanding the non-negotiable factor of faith in Christ, Pastor Lutzer emphasizes that Jesus' sacrifice is enough for salvation, and that assurance comes from persuasion of the heart, confirmed by the Holy Spirit, and the life of God working itself out. [... more]

Christianity is not a list of rules, but a life of relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, guided by the principle of grace, which brings transformation and fellowship, rather than fear and guilt. [... 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]

As Christians, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's use. This requires saying no to sin and its temptations, and saying yes to the Savior. We must learn to cooperate with God's Spirit, submitting our wills to His, and engaging in spiritual disciplines to grow in holiness. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we must glorify God with them, using them as instruments of righteousness. [... more]

The believer's struggle with sin is a battle of the mind, and thinking correctly is the foundation for living correctly. Paul commands believers to think theologically, consider the truth of God's perspective, and present themselves to God as instruments of righteousness. The believer's old nature is not eradicated at salvation, but it can be made inoperative through the power of God's Spirit. [... more]

The holiness of God is a powerful and all-consuming attribute that sets Him apart from all others. The Bible describes God's holiness as a separatedness and dedicated detachment from all else. This unique transcendence gives us confidence in trusting Him without reservation or doubt, and secures our souls in His unchanging nature. [... more]

A Christian worldview is essential to understanding the world and our place in it. The Bible teaches us about God's holiness and the importance of respecting that holiness. The concept of blasphemy is taken seriously in the Bible, and it's not just about disrespecting the Pope or other religious leaders. It's about appropriating God's glory onto ourselves or attributing to God something He did not say or do. A biblical worldview also helps us understand pain and suffering. Pain is a mercy because it alerts us to potential harm, and suffering can be a result of our choices and actions. By understanding the biblical story of creation and the fall, we can see that pain and suffering are not the result of a curse, but rather a consequence of our actions. [... more]

God invites believers to come into His presence, to talk with Him in fellowship, and to experience His love, mercy, and grace. This is made possible through Jesus Christ, who took the sin debt of the world upon Himself at the cross and made it possible for us to approach the throne of God with confidence and boldness. [... more]

Understanding the true nature of sin and the power of grace is crucial for living a holy life. The Bible teaches that we have died to sin in Christ and are now under the reign of grace. This means we don't have to sin, but rather, we are empowered to live a life of obedience to God. The key to this is remembering what happened to us in Christ, who we are as believers, and where we belong in the kingdom of God. [... more]

The Bible teaches that sin entered the world through Adam's disobedience, resulting in death and condemnation for all humanity. However, through Jesus Christ, we can experience redemption and salvation, and the grace of God abounds, never withdrawn because of sin, and never running out. [... more]

The plague of sin has infected humanity, and death is a universal reality. Adam's sin introduced sin into the world, and it has been passed down to every generation. However, through faith in Christ, we can be born again and join a new race, free from the curse of sin and death. This is the only explanation for universal sin and death, and it is the solution to both. [... more]

Believers are called to pursue a life of holiness, which involves understanding who they are in Christ, avoiding fleshly lusts, and acting in a way that brings glory to God. This pursuit is not just about personal growth, but also about making an impact on the world and providing a bridge for the gospel to be shared with others. [... more]

God sees us as his special treasure, chosen and royal, a holy nation, and a people for his own possession. We are not ordinary, but extraordinary, made valuable by our belonging to him. We are called to proclaim his excellencies and advertise his heroic deeds, reminding others of our miraculous inclusion and pardon through faith in Jesus Christ. [... more]

The concept of the cornerstone, referring to Jesus Christ, is explored in relation to the church and Israel. Peter's writings in 1 Peter 2 emphasize the importance of valuing Jesus as the cornerstone, with believers finding value and treasure in Him, while unbelievers stumble over Him and are condemned. The discussion also touches on the tribulation period, the church's role, and God's covenant promises to Israel. [... more]

The concept of holiness is explored through the biblical story of Daniel, where the use of golden cups by a pagan king is seen as a sacrilege. In Christianity, holiness means being set apart unto God, and it is not something that one achieves through effort, but rather a state of being that is a result of accepting Christ. [... more]

Living a deeply spiritual, holy life means having a sacred relationship with God, who rescues us from sin and emptiness, and shapes us to fit His divine purposes. This relationship gives us the privilege of offering various sacrifices to our living Lord, including our bodies, gratitude, good deeds, sharing with others, financial gifts, self-sacrificing love, and prayer. [... more]

Developing holy craving for God's word is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Christians must put aside sinful attitudes like malice, deceit, envy, and slander to cultivate a deep longing for the pure milk of God's word, which brings about growth in faith and salvation. [... more]

The foundation of love is obedience to the truth, which is a reference to the gospel and salvation. Genuine love is sincere, without hypocrisy, and fervent, stretching to the limits of one's capacity. It is an internal principle initiated by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who produces love as the first fruit of the Spirit. Believers are in a new family, related by the blood of Christ, and are under a new authority, the word of the Lord, which endures forever. [... more]

The Apostle Peter describes Jesus Christ as our liberator, substitute, savior, and victor, who gives us eternal life and redeems us from our futile way of life, inherited from our forefathers, and provides a clean name and an opportunity to serve our country with honor and distinction. [... more]

Believers are commanded to live holy lives, demonstrating their relationship with God through reverence and obedience. Holy fear is not about being afraid of God's judgment, but about being in awe of His holiness and submitting to His will. The judgment seat, or Bema, is a place where believers will be evaluated for their service and rewarded for their obedience, not for their sin, but for their service to God. [... more]