Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him, and Matthew's life is radically changed. Jesus sees beyond Matthew's exterior and calls him to a life of faith and spiritual transformation. The story of Matthew's call serves as a reminder that Jesus is still calling people today to follow him, and that he sees them for who they are and for who they can become. [... more]

The seraphim, created by God, are described in Isaiah 6 as having six wings, with two covering their face, two covering their feet, and two for flying. They are an integral part of the heavenly host, attending God at every moment, and are equipped to shield their eyes from the blazing glory of God. The purpose of this description is to convey the nature of God, emphasizing His holiness and majesty. [... more]

The Talking Heads' song 'Once in a Lifetime' is a symphonic embodiment of the band's unique blend of punk, funk, and world music. The song's creation involved a series of jam sessions, misheard counting, and a breakthrough for producer Brian Eno. David Byrne's lyrics, inspired by televangelists, explore the theme of routine existence and the search for meaning. [... more]

Jan Markell, founder and president of Olive Tree Ministries, discusses the perilous times we're living in, the importance of understanding Bible prophecy, and the significance of Israel in the Middle East. She shares her insights on the rise of the Antichrist spirit, strong delusion, and the need for Christians to be salt and light in the midst of chaos. [... more]

The death of King Uzziah left a void in Israel, raising questions about trust and security. In this moment of crisis, Isaiah met God, who is holy, unchanging, and trustworthy. This encounter highlights the importance of placing hope in the Lord, rather than earthly leaders or heroes. [... more]

The rise of Islam presented a significant challenge to Christianity in the Middle Ages, with its rapid growth and expansion into the Western world. Muhammad, the founder of Islam, claimed to have received revelations from God, which he used to establish a new monotheistic faith. Islam's emphasis on submission to God's will and its strict moral code, including the five pillars of Islam, set it apart from Christianity. The two faiths have had a complex and often contentious relationship throughout history, with Islam's expansion into Europe posing a significant threat to Christian dominance. [... more]

The Roman Empire's decline led to a decentralization of civilization, and people looked to the papacy for continuity. Emperor Justinian and Pope Gregory I played crucial roles in shaping the early Middle Ages, with Justinian's Christian empire and Gregory's leadership in the Western Church contributing to the development of medieval society and the church. [... more]

The Middle Ages were a time of great cultural and intellectual accomplishment, often misunderstood as the Dark Ages. Dr. W. Robert Godfrey explores the hopes, challenges, triumphs, and tragedies of Christianity during this period, highlighting its importance for understanding Christian civilization and its ongoing influence on the world today. [... more]

The apostolic gospel is the gospel of God, which is the message of good news about Jesus Christ, including his sonship, messianic office, and lordship. The gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, and it is not just a message of power, but also a message of judgment for those who reject it. [... more]

The concept of the gospel is a vital question for understanding the hope of eternal life, and yet, there is much confusion about its essential elements. The word 'gospel' means a good message, and in the New Testament, it refers to the announcement of the good news of Jesus Christ and his redemptive work. [... more]

The God-man who will seek and save the lost is the central figure of Christianity, as revealed in the Gospel of Luke. Luke, a converted doctor and traveling companion of the Apostle Paul, wrote the most content of the New Testament, providing a detailed account of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection. Through his Gospel, Luke stresses the importance of faith, authority, and control, demonstrating that even when God's authority seems unimportant, He is still in control, and even when God seems absent, He is still aware of every sorrow and longing. [... more]

The concept of the holiness of God is a mysterious and awe-inspiring experience that evokes both fear and fascination. Rudolph Otto's idea of the holy as a 'tremendous mystery' that produces tremors within us is explored through the experiences of Saint Augustine and R.C. Sproul. The ambivalence of the human response to the holy is discussed, where we are drawn to and repelled by the presence of God at the same time. [... more]

When contending for the faith, it's essential to do so without being contentious, conceited, callous, or cynical. This means being a reluctant fighter, contending for the sake of unity and the glory of God, and being willing to make sacrifices for the truth. By doing so, Christians can maintain the unity of the church and ultimately give glory to Christ. [... more]

Jude's letter to the churches emphasizes the importance of contending for the faith, as false teachers are perverting the gospel and denying Jesus Christ as Master and Lord. The faith must be safeguarded against subtraction and addition, and Christians must be willing to fight for it, even in the face of cultural pressures. [... more]

Jude's letter to early Christians emphasizes their identity as beloved and kept by God, despite facing heresies and false teachers. He reminds them of God's sovereignty and love, which motivates them to contend for the faith and persevere in their walk with Christ. [... more]

A life-changing experience of the majesty of God led to a new understanding of the character of God the Father, shifting focus from personal salvation to the transcendent power and otherness of God, and a lifelong pursuit of the holiness of God. [... more]

The tabernacle was a sanctuary that communicated spiritual lessons about heaven and the holiness of God. It was a place of God's holy presence in the midst of his people, where he dwelled amongst them. The tabernacle taught the Israelites about holiness, the means by which the Father gives to his son help to enter his presence and relate to the Lord. It was a tangible place for Israel to relate to their God through sacrifices and prayers, recreating the relationship that existed before the fall of Adam and Eve into sin. [... more]

The tabernacle, a temporary tent in the Old Testament, holds significant importance in understanding God's relationship with His people. It serves as a model for worship and redemption, pointing to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan. By studying the tabernacle, we can gain a deeper understanding of our salvation, sin, and how to live for God today. [... more]

The doctrine of sola scriptura, which asserts that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice, has been a cornerstone of Reformed theology since the 16th century. This principle, which holds that Scripture is infallible and inerrant, has been a source of controversy and debate, particularly in the Protestant tradition. The Reformers, including Martin Luther and John Calvin, emphasized the importance of private interpretation, arguing that every Christian has the right and responsibility to read and interpret the Bible for themselves. This emphasis on the perspicuity of Scripture, or the clarity of God's Word, has had a profound impact on the development of Protestantism and continues to shape the theological landscape of the Reformed tradition today. [... more]

Reformed theology is a systematic approach to understanding the Christian faith, rooted in the historic Christian apostolic faith. It emphasizes the importance of the doctrine of God and the authority of Scripture, while also acknowledging the common core of doctrine shared with other Christian bodies. [... more]

The importance of human touch is highlighted through the story of a leper who is healed by Jesus' touch, demonstrating the power of compassion and forgiveness in overcoming spiritual and physical afflictions. [... more]

Reformed theology is a belief system that centers on the knowledge of God, emphasizing the importance of doctrine and faith in understanding the nature and character of God. It is distinct from other branches of historic Christianity and focuses on the study of God Himself, rather than human behavior or religion. [... more]

In the book of Galatians, Paul confronts Peter over his refusal to include Gentiles who weren't obeying Jewish kosher laws within the family of God, introducing a damnable plus of faith in Jesus plus obedience to the law. Paul explains theologically that justification is never about our obedience, but rather about faith in Jesus Christ, and that our behavior should be a response to the grace we've received, not a means of earning it. [... more]

Russ Jones shares the story of his first job at a country club in Kansas City, where he learned the value of hard work and hospitality. He reflects on how this experience shaped his perspective on work and his ability to serve others. [... more]

Careful handling of implications from Scripture is crucial to avoid drawing conclusions that are simply not in the text. Dr. R.C. Sproul emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between explicit and implicit teachings, and warns against drawing inferences that conflict with clear scripture. He also stresses the need to consider the context of scripture and to be mindful of word meanings to accurately understand the Bible. [... more]

Caleb's unwavering faith and trust in God's plan led him to make bold decisions, including volunteering for the hardest assignment in the land of Canaan. His story serves as a testament to the power of faith and the importance of living a life that is fully surrendered to God. As individuals and as a church, we must learn to trust in God's plan and not try to lose, but to win, just as Caleb did. [... more]

The Bible's use of literary forms, such as personification and historical narrative, can be challenging to interpret. Understanding the characteristics of these forms, including the use of prose style, genealogies, and references to real time and space, is crucial for accurately interpreting scripture. The historical dimension of the Bible is at the center of controversy, with some arguing that it is not tied to history. However, recognizing the normal characteristics of historical narrative, such as references to real events, people, and places, is essential for understanding the Bible's redemptive history. [... more]

Lasting change doesn't start with what you want to achieve, but with who you're becoming in Christ. Taylor Standritz joins Rob West to explore why resolutions rooted in identity, not just effort, are the ones that endure. They discuss how to shift from behavior change to identity transformation, and how this approach can lead to lasting financial resolutions and spiritual growth. [... more]

The Bible uses various literary forms, including phenomenological language, hyperbole, and metaphor, to convey its message. Understanding these forms is crucial for proper biblical interpretation. The Bible also employs anthropomorphic language to describe God, using human forms and descriptions to convey spiritual concepts. By recognizing and respecting these literary forms, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the Bible's meaning and significance. [... more]

Literal interpretation of the Bible requires understanding the rules of grammar and literary forms, such as poetry and historical narrative, to grasp the plain meaning of the text. It involves recognizing the difference between adjectives and adverbs, questions and answers, and indicatives and imperatives, and applying the grammatico-historical method to interpret scripture accurately. [... more]

The story of the sacrificial lamb is the story of Jesus, who takes away the sin of the world. God's perfect spotless one, his servant in whom his soul delights, comes to take away the sin of the world. Jesus is the final, full, and complete atonement of sin, securing an eternal redemption and putting away sin by the sacrifice of himself by means of his own blood. [... more]

Paul defends the gospel against threats from Judaizers in Galatia, emphasizing the importance of faith alone for justification and warning against adding man-made requirements to the gospel. He recounts a historical narrative of a similar issue in Jerusalem, where the church struggled with the inclusion of Gentiles, and how the apostles agreed to remember the poor as a condition of their fellowship. [... more]

The town of Bethlehem, a small and insignificant village, was chosen by God as the birthplace of the long-promised Messiah, fulfilling a prophecy made centuries earlier by the prophet Micah. The birth of Jesus, as recorded in the New Testament, is a remarkable story of how God worked through the Roman Empire's decree to bring about the fulfillment of this prophecy, and how the divine announcement of the birth of the Messiah was first made to the lowliest people on the social totem pole of Israel, the shepherds. [... more]

In the Old Testament the prophet Isaiah predicted that the Messiah would be a King with a reign like no other Today R C Sproul considers what this prophecy teaches us about Christ and the kingdom He came to establish Request R C Sproul's devotional book The Advent of Glory plus lifetime digital access to his teaching series Coming of the Messiah with your donation of any amount https gift renewingyourmind org offer Live outside the U S and Canada Get the digital teaching series with your donation https www renewingyourmind org global Merry Christmas from the Renewing Your Mind [... more]

The concept of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ is a central theme in the Bible, with Matthew and Luke providing detailed accounts of the miraculous conception. The controversy surrounding the Hebrew term 'almah' and its translation as 'virgin' or 'young woman' is explored, with scholars arguing over its implications for the virgin birth narrative. The biblical account of the virgin birth is seen as a miraculous and supernatural event, made possible by the creative power of God, the Holy Spirit. [... more]

The birth of Christ is intricately connected with the ministry of angels, particularly Gabriel, who delivers crucial messages to key figures in the Christmas story, including Zacharias and Elizabeth, setting in motion the events that will lead to the birth of John the Baptist and ultimately the Messiah. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie explores the Christmas story, highlighting the shepherds and wise men who listened to God's message, and emphasizing the importance of faith, salvation, and spirituality in our lives. He discusses how God speaks to us through the Bible and how we can experience a personal relationship with Him. [... more]

The first Messianic promise of the Old Testament is found in Genesis, where God promises a seed that will be victorious over the serpent. This promise is known as the first gospel, or proto-evangel, and is a message of good news about the coming of the Redeemer, who will crush the head of Satan and bring redemption to humanity. [... more]

Peter Ortiz, a decorated Marine and member of the OSS, led daring operations behind enemy lines in World War II, including a mission to arm French partisans in the Haute Savoie region of France. Ortiz's bravery and leadership earned him two Navy Crosses and a reputation as a hero of the war. After the war, Ortiz worked as a technical advisor in Hollywood, appearing in several films and television shows, including 'She Wore a Yellow Ribbon' and '13 Rue Madeleine'. Ortiz's story is a testament to his courage and dedication to his country. [... more]

The birth of Jesus is a pivotal moment in history, marking the fulfillment of centuries of prophetic promise and patient waiting by the people of God. The Jewish understanding of history emphasizes the importance of real events, while Greek thought views history as cyclical and lacking a definitive beginning or end. The New Testament's portrayal of Jesus' birth is grounded in real time and space, distinguishing it from mythological accounts. [... more]