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' claims about his identity and his relationship with God are met with skepticism and accusations from the Jews, who struggle to understand his declaration of being the light of the world and the truth. Jesus responds calmly and boldly, explaining that he is not seeking his own glory, but rather the glory of his Father, who honors him. The Jews continue to question Jesus' identity, but he remains steadfast in his claims, emphasizing the importance of faith and the consequences of unbelief. [... 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]

Death is not terminal, and the soul continues to exist after the body dies. The Bible teaches that there are two ways to die: in one's sins or in the Lord. Christians believe that their souls will be reunited with their bodies in the resurrection, while the souls of the wicked will be cast into hell. The unknownness of death is a challenge, but relying solely on God's word provides security and hope for eternal life. [... more]

Jacob's wrestling match with God in Genesis 32 is a powerful reminder of the importance of facing our fears and conflicts head-on, and of surrendering to God's will. As Jacob refuses to let God go, he is transformed and receives a new name, Israel, symbolizing his newfound faith and spirituality. This story serves as a call to revival, encouraging believers to seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, and to let go of their own desires and wills in order to receive God's blessing and guidance. [... more]

The Bible teaches that death is not terminal, but rather a transition to eternity. Jesus' death and resurrection offer salvation from sin and eternal life, but unbelief in Christ leads to death in one's sins. The consequences of unbelief are eternal, and the Bible warns of the importance of faith in Christ for eternal life. [... more]

The book of James emphasizes the importance of Christianity impacting one's conversation, compassion, and character. James warns that external religious activity is worthless if it does not lead to spiritual maturity, and that true Christianity involves demonstrating parental care and compassion, particularly towards orphans and widows. [... 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]

God's judgment is according to truth, and those who practice evil will be condemned. Hypocrisy is a threat to anyone who dares to stand in a pulpit and correct sinners when every preacher is himself a sinner. The goodness of God leads to repentance, but those who despise his goodness will be judged according to their deeds. Every single sin we ever commit is exposed to God's perfect judgment, and we will be judged according to our works, both good and bad. [... 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]

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]

The problem of worry is not the issue, but rather our perspective on it. God's provision is not just for the lesser things, but also for the greater. He knows what we need before we ask and distinguishes between needs and wants, promising to meet our essential needs. [... more]

Jesus' bold proclamation that those who keep his word will never see death is a message of hope for believers, but it's met with skepticism and even hostility from those who don't understand the nature of death and the promise of eternal life. Alastair Begg explores the biblical understanding of death and its connection to sin, and how Jesus' words offer a way out of spiritual death and into eternal life. [... more]

David, the king, faces criticism from those closest to him, including his own son Absalom, and writes Psalm 62 to guide believers on how to handle criticism, relying on God's position, protection, and persuasion, and finding refuge in His sovereignty, power, and shelter. [... more]

The Bible teaches that sin and self-centeredness lead to bondage and enslavement, but Jesus Christ offers true freedom through salvation. This freedom is not about doing what we please, but about doing what pleases God, and it is only possible through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. [... 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]

David's prayer in Psalm 61 offers guidance on how to navigate life's chaos and find God's presence, protection, and provision when feeling overwhelmed. [... 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]

Jesus teaches that true discipleship involves abiding in His Word, holding to His teachings, and embracing His truth. He distinguishes between fickle followers who are easily swayed and those who are rooted in their faith. Jesus also confronts the Jews, who are proud of their pedigree, but blind to their need for spiritual freedom and their true father, Satan. [... more]

God desires for you to have love in you, which is a selfless outpouring and not expecting anything in return. Love is associated with giving, and it's a powerful thing that can do amazing things. When you think about love, it's essential to have a good biblical definition of it and to recognize that it's not always easy, but it's worth it. God wants to use your life to pour out love to others, and it's a beautiful thing to experience the fellowship of the suffering of Christ. In relationships, it's crucial to let love conquer and to keep on pouring out, even when it hurts. [... more]

Christian fathers are warned not to provoke their children to anger, lest they become discouraged. This is a crucial aspect of Christian parenting, as it involves understanding the special responsibility that falls to men in the Bible, both in the home and in the church. The love and grace displayed by our Heavenly Father should be the hallmark of the treatment of our children, and we should avoid provoking them through over-severity, inconsistency, constant fault-finding, favoritism, belittling their achievements, failing to show appreciation, neglect, expecting too much of them, restricting their freedom, and over-protection. [... more]

Jacob's life is forever transformed after a face-to-face encounter with God at a place called Peniel. He had been a trickster, selling his birthright and stealing his brother's blessing, but God's intervention changes him. Jacob's story serves as a reminder that we need a supernatural breakthrough and divine intervention in our lives, and that we must be willing to let go of our pride and submit to God's will. [... more]

Children are a gift, but they are also corrupt and in need of guidance. The Bible teaches that parents are responsible for training their children in the truth of Scripture, and that this training begins at home. Godly discipline is a key part of this process, and is motivated by love. The Bible is clear that children should obey their parents, and that this obedience is essential for their spiritual growth and development. [... 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 gospel must begin with bad news, specifically the declaration of independence from God, which leads to judicial abandonment and the manifestation of sinful passions in concrete human behavior, resulting in a debased mind and a life filled with unrighteousness. [... more]

Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians to increase in love and be blameless and holy in the presence of God, as he reflects on the story of Hosea and Gomer, illustrating the self-sacrificial love of God and the importance of agape love in relationships and in the church. [... more]

David's prayer in Psalm 139 reveals a deep understanding of God's holiness and his own sinful nature. He longs for divine vengeance against those who oppose God, but also submits himself to scrutiny, acknowledging the seeds of evil within his own heart. This prayer challenges believers to confront their own moral compromise and to seek a deeper understanding of God's judgment and mercy. [... more]

A young man named Stephen, full of God's grace and power, is persecuted for his faith and ultimately becomes a martyr. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of character, courage, and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. [... more]

The biblical account of creation is explored, comparing it to the evolutionary model and scientific evidence. The speaker argues that the Bible's explanation makes more sense and is supported by various scientific discoveries, including the precision of the universe and the age of the Earth. The discussion highlights the importance of considering the biblical account of creation and its implications for one's life and faith. [... more]

The Bible teaches that parental authority is vital for a stable society, and that children should obey their parents in everything, as this pleases the Lord. The Christian home is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, and parents are responsible for instructing their children in the Word of God, despite the challenges of a world that often disagrees with biblical values. [... more]

A woman at Jacob's Well encounters Jesus, who offers her living water and explains that it's a gift from God, symbolizing salvation and eternal life. Jesus exposes her sin and guides her towards a profound revelation, redefining worship and pointing her towards the truth of salvation. [... more]

The Bible teaches that husbands are to love their wives sacrificially and exclusively, just as Jesus loves the church. This love is not just a feeling, but a choice to put one's wife's interests ahead of one's own and to prioritize her well-being. In contrast, a harsh tone and selfishness can lead to a breakdown in the marriage bond. By following the biblical framework for marriage, husbands can cultivate a deeper understanding and trust with their wives, leading to a more fulfilling and joyful relationship. [... more]

Biblical love is a selfless outpouring, not expecting anything in return. It's a powerful thing that can bring amazing results when unleashed properly. When considering relationships with God or others, it's essential to have a good definition of love in mind, and to remember that God desires for us to have this thing called love in us. He wants us to have a love kind of relationship with Him and with others, and to let Him love through us, pouring out our hearts and lives for the benefit of others. [... 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]

A biblical view of marriage is vastly different from contemporary culture, emphasizing exclusivity, permanence, and the divine covenant between a husband and wife. The Bible teaches that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, with the husband loving his wife as Christ loves the church, and the wife submitting to her husband in everything. This understanding of marriage is rooted in the gospel and is essential for living a life that glorifies God. [... more]

David's Psalm 103 is a praise list of everything to bless God for, including forgiveness of sin, freedom from sickness, fullness of salvation, and God's mercy, reminding us to remember His benefits and praise Him with our whole heart, mind, and soul. [... more]

The Christian family is called to be a great endorsement for the gospel, displaying the reality of God's grace in practical ways. The Bible teaches that marriage roles are established by creation, but were disrupted by sin. However, through Jesus, we find freedom from the disruption of relationships and can live out our roles in a way that reflects our commitment to the Lord Jesus. [... more]

David's story of facing the giant Goliath in the Valley of Elah serves as a picture of the battle between good and evil, with David's faith and trust in God ultimately leading to his victory. The story highlights the importance of not being intimidated by the voices of others, including family members and leaders, and instead choosing to focus on God's presence and power in our lives. [... more]

The decline of the nuclear family and the rise of loneliness in modern society are addressed through the lens of the Christian family and the church family. The biblical context provides a solution to the longing for mutuality and cooperation, which is fulfilled in the church family. [... more]

The Christian church's role in preserving Western culture from corruption is discussed, with Jesus' teachings on being the salt of the earth and the light of the world serving as a reminder of the church's responsibility to influence the world for good. The importance of living out one's faith in a way that brings light and hope to a dark world is emphasized, and the need for Christians to be bold in their witness and not hide their light under a basket. [... more]