The doctrine of salvation by grace rests on the principle that the law of God has been fulfilled by Christ. The covenant of works is fulfilled by Christ's passive obedience, and his active obedience secures our redemption. The mediatorship of Christ is essential for our justification, and it is through his obedience that we are reconciled to God. [... more]

The worship of idols and demons is a serious problem in both ancient and modern times, as seen in the biblical accounts of the golden calf and the early church's struggle with paganism. [... more]

Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd and sheepfold to describe his role as the good shepherd, who brings sight to the blind and freedom to those who are captives, but is rejected by those who refuse to listen and follow him. [... more]

Regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit that changes the inclination of the soul, kindling the love of God and giving us the earnest or guarantee of full and final payment of our salvation. This is the basis of our assurance, and it's confirmed by the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit through the word of God. [... more]

When faced with a threatening situation, most people immediately go into self-preservation mode, but living selflessly can benefit us as well. True heroes who live courageously are focused on helping others, and the Bible shows us that in order to survive the tyranny of self, we need to serve others. Dr. Robert Jeffress shares the importance of selflessness and how it can be learned through scripture and the example of characters like Jesus Christ and Barnabas. [... more]

Jesus teaches that he is the fulfillment of Abraham's hopes and visions, and that he is the eternal Christ who shares the everlasting life of the Father and the Spirit. He claims to be the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that he is the changeless Lord who towers over history. [... more]

Understanding the proper biblical doctrine of election and salvation is crucial for gaining true assurance of one's salvation. Dr. R.C. Sproll examines the relationship between election and assurance, highlighting the importance of theology and the role of the Holy Spirit in regeneration and salvation. [... 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' 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 doctrine of election anchors our assurance of salvation in God's sovereign grace, but false assurance can arise from universalism, works righteousness, sacerdotalism, and other counterfeit methods. Understanding the proper biblical doctrine of election and salvation is essential for gaining true assurance. [... more]

Paul teaches that spiritual maturity requires community, discernment, and a Christ-centered life. He emphasizes the importance of being knit together in love with fellow believers and being discerning of false teaching. In Colossians 2, Paul presents Christ as the treasure of wisdom and knowledge, and encourages believers to focus on maturing in Christ rather than seeking secrets or techniques for a victorious and prosperous Christian 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]

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]

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 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]

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]

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 doctrine of sola gratia, or grace alone, is central to the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing that salvation is solely the work of God's grace in the soul. This concept is rooted in the teachings of Augustine, who argued that humanity's fallen nature renders us morally impotent, unable to choose the things of God without divine intervention. In contrast, semi-Pelagianism posits that human beings have the power to choose God, albeit with the assistance of God's grace. The Reformation's emphasis on sola gratia highlights the importance of divine initiative in salvation, underscoring that our salvation is not based on our own efforts or decisions, but rather on God's sovereign grace. [... 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]

Understanding your primary spiritual gift and how it fits with God's purpose for your life is empowering and can give you focus to your life about what you really need to do. Chip Ingram shares his breakthrough in discovering his primary spiritual gift and how it impacted his life, and explains how to discover your own spiritual gift through a framework and process. [... more]

The blessings of God are with his people, providing grace, love, and fellowship through the Trinity. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit are all present in the life of a believer, giving them confidence and assurance in the face of uncertainty. [... more]

James emphasizes the importance of moving from being a mere hearer of the Word to a doer, demonstrating faith through works, and growing in maturity as a Christian. He warns against the danger of being a forgetful hearer, and encourages believers to look intently into the perfect law of liberty, abiding by it and living it out with creativity and excellence, reflecting the character of Christ and being changed into His likeness. [... more]

Repentance and acceptance are intertwined in salvation, and Christians must put off their old manner of life to put on the new man, created according to God in true righteousness and holiness. This involves walking worthy, being angry without sinning, and speaking truth, as well as forgiving and being kind to one another, just as God forgave us in Christ. [... more]

The Christian life involves suffering, contrary to the view that following Jesus Christ will only bring blessings. The Bible teaches that followers of Christ are called to suffer, and this is illustrated in the life of Apostle Paul, who rejoices in his sufferings for the sake of the gospel and the advancement of God's kingdom. [... 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 teaches that God is able to keep us from stumbling and falling away from the faith, and that He will present us before His glory with great joy. This is a real-time assurance that doesn't matter when it is or where we are, and it's a reminder of our neediness and the total sufficiency of Jesus Christ. God is worthy of exclusive praise, highest praise, and unending praise, and He is the only God who is our Savior and worthy of praise for His glory, majesty, dominion, and authority. [... 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]

Getting the Word of God into our children's hearts is crucial for their spiritual growth and development. Teaching, talking, walking, writing, and reciting the Word are essential tools for parents and grandparents to use in training their children in the way they should go. By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can help our children develop a strong foundation in God's truth and equip them to withstand the challenges of a world that increasingly rejects biblical values. [... 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]

Living in a world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity requires spiritual survival skills, including flexibility and resiliency. Dr. Robert Jeffress explains why these qualities are essential for standing firm in one's faith, using the story of Salvador Alvarenga as an example. He also discusses the importance of not taking revenge, but rather seeking justice and doing good to those who wrong us, as a way to overcome evil with good. [... 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]

The benediction in Hebrews 13:20-21 declares God's power to equip believers with everything good to do His will, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's strength and peace, rather than relying on human effort or ability. [... more]

Teaching children the Word of God is crucial for their spiritual growth and development. Parents should strive to instill faith in their kids through various methods, including teaching, talking, walking the talk, writing, and reciting scripture. By doing so, they can help their children develop a strong foundation in their faith and prepare them for the challenges of the world. [... 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]

Retirement isn't the end of your purpose, but rather a new season to live it out. A biblical perspective on retirement emphasizes finding balance between rest and contribution, and living out one's fourth quarter of life in a way that's God-honoring and fulfilling. [... more]

The purpose of prayer is not just to receive answers, but to glorify God. The Bible teaches that God is able to answer our biggest requests and deserves our highest praise. This is seen in the doxology in Ephesians 3, where Paul declares that God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, and that He deserves glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations. [... more]

The Bible says that iniquity abounds, leading to a disregard for the Word of God and a lack of love for those in authority. This is a sign of the last days, as Jesus said that the love of many shall wax cold. To combat this, we must teach our children the wisdom and precepts of the scriptures, and plant the seeds of God's word in their hearts while they are young. [... more]

God's variety in the body of Christ is a beautiful thing, and He gives different gifts to individuals for the equipping of the saints. When gifted people exercise their God-given talents and gifts, it promotes unity, breeds maturity, and brings stability to the body of Christ. [... more]