The Bible teaches that regeneration precedes faith, and that the Holy Spirit's work is the necessary condition for salvation. Man's moral ability is limited by his fallen nature, and he cannot please God or obey the law without the Spirit's work. The gracious work of God the Holy Spirit is the first step of justification, and it enables us to come to Jesus at all. [... more]

The story of Cain and Abel continues in Genesis, revealing a downward spiral of sin and violence as Cain's descendants become increasingly godless. Meanwhile, a parallel lineage emerges through Seth, where people begin to call upon the name of the Lord, seeking a better path. [... more]

The Christian faith emphasizes the reality of sin and the need for forgiveness, which is made possible through God's grace. The concept of sin is not just a simple external blemish, but rather something that penetrates to the very core of human being. The idea that to err is human and to forgive is divine is a common phrase, but it downplays the seriousness of sin and the need for accountability. The Bible teaches that sin is not just a result of finitude, but rather a result of disobedience to God's law. [... more]

The Bible teaches that God's sovereignty is essential for salvation, and that man's moral inability means he cannot please God or obey the law without the Holy Spirit's work. Regeneration precedes faith, and the Holy Spirit's work is the necessary condition for salvation, making it sola gratia. [... more]

The Bible teaches that humanity is inherently helpless, ungodly, and sinful, deserving of God's wrath. However, God's holy love led him to sacrifice his son Jesus Christ, demonstrating his unique and one-of-a-kind love for humanity, even in its fallen state. This love is not based on human merit or works, but rather on God's character and nature, making it possible for humans to be reconciled to God and experience salvation. [... more]

God's role in natural disasters is a complex issue, with some believing he takes no responsibility for them. However, the Bible teaches that God is sovereign and in control of nature, using it to reveal both his judgment and love. While natural disasters can be devastating, they also serve as a reminder of God's power and authority, and we must trust in his wisdom even when we cannot understand his ways. [... more]

The world system appeals to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life, which are the three gateways to sin. These desires are rooted in humanity's fallen nature and are fueled by Satan's influence. Christians must recognize and resist these temptations to live a life pleasing to God. [... more]

A conversation about the importance of believing in virtues such as honor, courage, and faith, even in the face of adversity and fallenness, and how these values can bring hope and redemption. [... more]

The Bible teaches that all people, regardless of their good deeds, are under the power of sin and are guilty before God. This understanding of sin is rooted in the concept of treason against God's government, where humans refuse to acknowledge God as God and instead worship the creature above the Creator. This rebellion against God is evident in the way humans live their lives, even if they appear to be doing good. The gospel of Jesus Christ offers hope for fallen human beings, providing a heart transformation and renovation that brings glory to God. [... more]

The Bible teaches that regeneration precedes faith, and that the Holy Spirit's work is a necessary condition for salvation. According to Augustinianism, the Spirit compels people to choose Jesus, while Arminianism suggests that God woos people to Christ. The concept of sola gratia emphasizes that salvation is by grace alone, and that the flesh profits nothing. [... more]

The Bible teaches that human beings are inherently sinful and that our attempts to be good are insufficient to gain acceptance with a holy God. The concept of original sin highlights our fallen nature and the extent to which we are separated from God, making it impossible for us to achieve righteousness on our own. [... more]

Discovering one's gifts and how they are used in everyday life is a key aspect of biblical anthropology, which views humanity as created in the image of God. Christians often focus on spiritual gifts, but common gifts, such as leadership, technical, and artistic abilities, are also important. Research shows that people are hungry to have their gifts discovered and used for the common good, but few churches have a system in place to help people discover their gifts. A common gift assessment tool, called the Every Gift Inventory, can help individuals identify their gifts and use them in their vocations and callings. [... more]

Jesus teaches that no one can come to Him unless it is given by the Father, highlighting man's radical fallenness and the doctrine of total depravity. Dr. R.C. Sproul explains the concept of predestination and the importance of regeneration in understanding salvation. [... more]

The doctrine of election is a crucial biblical teaching that emphasizes God's initiative in salvation, highlighting the importance of regeneration and faith in the process of becoming a Christian. Dr. R.C. Sproul's teaching series, Chosen by God, explores this doctrine, discussing the concept of predestination and the role of God's sovereignty in salvation. The discussion also touches on the Augustinian view of predestination, emphasizing the idea that regeneration precedes faith and that salvation is a gift of God's grace. [... more]

The concept of man's fallen nature and the role of God's sovereignty in salvation is explored through a study of John 6 and the teachings of Martin Luther and R.C. Sproul. The discussion centers on the idea of regeneration as a necessary condition for faith and the importance of understanding God's election in the Bible. [... more]

The Bible teaches that the world is a fallen place where suffering and pain are real, but God is still good and faithful. Christians must respond to these challenges without compromising God's core characteristics. The purpose of suffering can be to show us our dependence on God, to bring us to faith, or to prepare us for future ministry. God can use even the worst circumstances to change lives for eternity and to do his work in ways that we can't comprehend. [... more]

The Bible provides an answer to the problem of pain and suffering, explaining that God allows evil in a fallen world where humans have the ability to make moral choices. God is not the author of sin, and he has a plan for suffering that takes place in our lives, often with a purpose and meaning that has a lasting impact. [... more]