The doctrine of providence brings great comfort, security, and humility to believers, but it does not absolve us from our wrongdoings. Joseph's story in Genesis chapter 45 illustrates how God's sovereignty and providence work together to bring about His purposes, even in the midst of sin and difficulty. Genuine forgiveness is also a key aspect of God's providence, as seen in Joseph's response to his brothers' sin and his desire to see them brought to repentance and faith. [... more]

The story of Joseph's life, as recorded in the book of Genesis, begins with his heritage and childhood experiences. His father, Jacob, was a manipulative and focused individual who was willing to do whatever it took to get what he wanted, including deceiving his brother and his father-in-law. Joseph's mother, Rachel, was favored by God, but struggled with infertility, while his stepmother, Leah, was fertile but not favored by her husband. The family dynamics are complex, with multiple mothers and children, and Joseph's birth brings a sense of hope and redemption to the family. [... more]

The Apostle Paul and Silas are imprisoned in Philippi, but instead of despair, they sing hymns to God, causing a great earthquake that shakes the prison and sets them free. The Philippian jailer, who is about to take his own life, is converted and asks Paul what he must do to be saved, and Paul responds with the simple message of faith in Jesus Christ. [... more]

Christians are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, called to proclaim the praises of God and offer the sacrifice of prayer and praise. The doctrine of predestination is discussed, highlighting the sovereign election of God and the reprobation of those who refuse to bow before Christ. The kingdom of God transcends human borders and is a heavenly nation, where citizens are called to worship and praise God. [... more]

The Bible describes the human heart as being dead in sin, enslaved to wicked desires, and morally incapable of choosing righteousness without the intervention of God's grace. The doctrine of original sin, as taught by Augustine, holds that humanity's fallen nature is characterized by moral inability, and that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is necessary for salvation. [... more]

The story of Esther shows how God brings salvation into the world through unlikely instruments who make themselves available to him. Despite her rough start in life, Esther finds her defining moment of faith and saves the Jewish nation, demonstrating the remarkable way God works through ordinary people to achieve extraordinary purposes. [... more]

God's providence is a complex concept that involves the interaction between primary and secondary causality, where God is the ultimate cause of everything that comes to pass, yet He also uses secondary causes, including human decisions and actions, to bring about His will. The Westminster Confession of Faith provides insight into this concept, highlighting God's sovereignty and the role of human agency in His providence. [... more]

The doctrine of original sin is a pivotal concept in Christian theology, described in Ephesians chapter 2. According to Saint Augustine, the fall of Adam affected humanity at its core, leaving us in a state of moral inability. This concept is contrasted with the views of Pelagius, who argued that humanity remains morally capable of living lives of perfect righteousness. The order of salvation, or ordo salutis, is also explored, highlighting the role of God's initiative in regeneration and the importance of faith in Christ. [... more]

Discovering your spiritual gift is key to unlocking personal direction and purpose in life, and understanding how God has uniquely equipped you to serve and make a difference in the world. By learning to discern and cultivate your spiritual gifts, you can experience joy, fulfillment, and a deeper connection to God and others. [... more]

Discovering your spiritual gift is essential for determining God's will, understanding your value as a person, meeting needs and building relationships, and experiencing joy. A spiritual gift is a supernatural enabling from God that provides ability, qualification, strength, and endurance, and it's crucial to cultivate and use it to fulfill your purpose and bring glory to God. [... more]

According to 1 Peter, believers are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, with a special calling to proclaim God's praises and offer the sacrifice of praise. This is in contrast to those who are disobedient and destined for judgment, who stumble over the rock of offense, Jesus Christ. The doctrine of predestination is discussed, highlighting the sovereign election of God and the reprobation of those who reject Christ. [... more]

The New Covenant, established by God, is a promise of forgiveness and a guarantee of blessings for His people, mediated by Jesus Christ, who has secured the conditions of the covenant through his death and resurrection, and enables believers to walk in obedience to God's law. [... more]

The New Covenant is a divine promise made by God to His people, as seen in Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 36, where He promises to forgive their iniquity and sin, and write His law on their hearts. This covenant is in contrast to the Old Covenant, which was conditioned on obedience and was broken by the people. Jesus Christ is the mediator and guarantee of the New Covenant, having fulfilled the demands of God's law and assured the forgiveness of sins for every new covenant believer. [... more]

The Bible teaches that God saves sinners through the blood of Jesus Christ, and this saving work is the same from the Old Testament to the New Testament. The doctrines of grace, which include radical corruption, sovereign election, definite atonement, effectual calling, and preserving grace, are taught throughout the entire Scripture and are rooted in the very beginning of time. [... more]

The sovereignty of God is emphasized throughout the Bible, and it is essential for Christian ministry and the local church. Paul's letter to Titus highlights the sovereignly appointed position, purpose, and pattern for gospel ministry, as well as the sovereignly established relationship between believers and God. Understanding God's sovereignty is crucial for living a life of faith and for effective ministry, and it is a reminder that everything we do is under God's authority and guidance. [... more]

The concept of election is central to Reformed theology, emphasizing God's sovereignty and grace in choosing whom to save. This doctrine is often misunderstood as being unfair, but Paul's teaching in Romans 9 demonstrates that God's decision is based on His sovereign will, not on human merit or condition. The focus is on the unspeakable mercy and grace of God, who has the right to have mercy on whom He wills, and this understanding removes all merit from humanity and places the focus on God's sovereign eternal right to have mercy. [... more]

Following Christ is like the ultimate adventure, filled with ups and downs, trials, and potholes, but also with incredible scenery and opportunities for growth and joy. Jesus' love and mercy are available to all, and those who come to Him will discover a new sense of purpose and belonging. Through faith and discipleship, believers can experience the ultimate adventure and live a life of joy, love, and service to others. [... more]

The intersection of divine choice and human choice is a complex topic in Christianity, with the Bible presenting both perspectives as true. Jesus Christ's calling of his disciples, as described in John chapter 1, illustrates the tension between free will and predestination, with God's sovereignty and human decision-making seemingly opposing each other. However, a deeper understanding of the Bible reveals that these truths can coexist, with God's election and human choice being equally valid and true. [... more]

The Bible tells us that Judas Iscariot was destined for destruction, but was he forced to betray Jesus? Dr. R.C. Sproul explores how God's sovereignty squares with man's will, and how God uses wickedness to bring about redemption. [... more]

The first commandment emphasizes God's sovereignty and exclusivity, stating that He is the only true God. It also highlights the importance of having the right thoughts about God, which requires united hearts and devoted allegiance. The commandment calls for a radically God-centered life, where one's thoughts, words, and actions are centered on God, and obedience to Him is the ultimate goal. [... more]