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How do we know we have the right books in the Bible, no more and no fewer? In Lesson 3 of the Foundations Series, "Pure Words," Pastor Samson shows that the answer rests on Jesus Christ Himself: He affirmed the Old Testament, He authorized His apostles to write the New, and the church recognized the books God had given rather than creating them. Along the way you'll hear why Roman Catholic and Protestant Bibles differ, the truth about the "lost gospels" (including one with a talking cross), and why no one alive today can add a book to the Bible. Most of all, you'll come away with fresh confidence that God's Word is just what Psalm 12:6 calls it, "pure words," tried and proved.

The little Jesus figurines have made a big splash with many people. But what is concerning is that many people have an equally small view of Jesus himself. Is the Jesus of Scripture a "little Jesus?"

This episode addresses the theological necessity of creeds, confessions, and catechisms by affirming the sufficiency of Scripture while distinguishing it from the church's responsibility to preserve and teach revealed truth. It argues that these doctrinal standards are not additions to the Bible but human instruments that help the church articulate, defend, and transmit the faith, citing passages like 2 Timothy 1:13-14 and 1 Timothy 3:15-16. The episode clarifies the definitions and subordinate authority of these documents, emphasizing that they must always remain under the supreme authority of the Holy Spirit speaking in Scripture. The episode further explores the historical context of these standards, from the early church's rule of faith to the Westminster Confession, highlighting their role in guarding against error and fostering doctrinal unity. Finally, it encourages believers to use these tools for personal growth, family discipleship, and congregational integrity, ensuring that sound doctrine leads to living faith rather than dead orthodoxy.

This sermon addresses the theological distinctions between biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism, specifically focusing on the doctrine of justification. It argues that the Reformation restored the supreme authority of Scripture and the biblical truth that justification is a legal declaration of righteousness based solely on faith in Christ, rather than a process of infused righteousness through sacraments and works. The speaker contrasts the Catholic teachings on baptism, purgatory, and the Mass with scriptural passages emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ's finished work and the permanence of the believer's standing before God. The message serves as an instructional guide for evangelizing Catholics, urging believers to rely on the inerrant Word of God to expose religious deception and lead individuals to the assurance of eternal life through grace alone.

The word "recapitulation" was chosen to help us understand what was going on with Paul's travels, teachings and other labors, as he began to finish his missionary journeys and go on to something climatic. Paul's last words to the Ephesian elders is especially important.

Lecture video: https://youtu.be/nMGLPR5X8MM The sermon examines the method of historical apologetics, distinguishing it from classical and evidential approaches by focusing exclusively on the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. It presents the 'minimal facts argument' used by scholars like Gary Habermas, which relies on widely accepted historical data such as the empty tomb, the disciples' transformed lives, and the early proclamation of the resurrection. The teaching emphasizes that proving the resurrection inherently demonstrates the existence of God, thereby validating the Christian faith without the need for prior philosophical arguments. The preacher encourages believers to engage with these arguments not only to defend their faith to others but also to fortify their own hearts against doubt and skepticism. By understanding the robust historical case for the resurrection, Christians are better equipped to navigate intellectual challenges and maintain a confident, reasoned defense of their beliefs.

This sermon examines Paul's imprisonment in Rome as a catalyst for the advancement of the gospel, emphasizing that suffering does not hinder but rather facilitates the spread of Christ's message. The central theme is the necessity of rejoicing in all circumstances, including trials, to maintain a distinct Christian testimony that contrasts with the world's reaction to hardship. Paul's example demonstrates that his primary concern was not his personal safety or reputation, but the bold proclamation of Christ, even to the powerful Praetorian Guard. The text highlights two groups of believers: those preaching out of envy and rivalry, and those doing so out of genuine goodwill and love for the gospel. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a Christ-centered life where believers speak with intelligence and courage, trusting in God's faithfulness and the provision of the Holy Spirit to sustain them through uncertainty and opposition.

You can have all the right answers for defending Christianity and still be shaken by someone who mocks your faith. Why is ridicule so powerful, even when you know your beliefs are true? In this message, we'll look at how to develop the kind of spiritual confidence that can stand firm even when others make you feel like a fool for following Christ. If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. My sermons are the fruit of nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a lifelong passion for God's Word. Since childhood, I've been drawn to the beauty and power of expository preaching—opening Scripture verse by verse and applying it to real life. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute, I spent the next 27 years serving as a youth pastor, senior pastor, church planter, and host of the Food For Your Soul radio broadcast. Along the way, I also earned a Master of Sacred Literature and a Doctor of Religious Studies. For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. Follow on social: • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.DRichardFerguson

Can atheism account for truth, logic, morality, and the very possibility of human knowledge? What happens when an unbelieving worldview is challenged at its very foundation? In this powerful third installment of REFORMED APOLOGETICS, Pastor Emilio examines the theological foundations of presuppositional apologetics and exposes the fundamental problems of unbelieving worldviews. Topics include: -Why unbelieving worldviews cannot ultimately account for truth, logic, and morality. -Why Reformed apologetics begins with the authority of Scripture. -How the Trinity, divine simplicity, immutability, and God's independence shape Christian apologetics. -Why the Creator-creature distinction is essential to a biblical worldview. -How Romans 1 exposes humanity's suppression of God's revelation. -The radical differences between Reformed and Roman Catholic understandings of man's original righteousness and the fall. -How covenant theology, general revelation, and special revelation form one unified biblical worldview. -Why Adam's calling as prophet, priest, and king ultimately points to Jesus Christ.

(AI Generated Summary) This lesson examines the historical development of Trinitarian belief in the early church, specifically during the second century, to demonstrate that the doctrine was not a later invention but a foundational conviction of the apostolic era. By analyzing the writings of Clement of Rome, Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, and Polycarp, the study highlights how early Christians maintained a rigid monotheism while simultaneously affirming the distinct personhood and deity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The presentation emphasizes that this 'Trinitarian consciousness' was evident in baptismal formulas, liturgical worship, and apologetic defenses against charges of atheism from Roman authorities. The speaker argues that these historical records refute revisionist claims that the Trinity was codified only in the fourth century, showing instead that the church possessed a clear conceptual understanding of the triune God from its inception.

Some call the Bible just a book of fairy tales, some call it a bronze age book that cannot be trusted. Some claim that it's a book filled with contradictions, historical inaccuracies and that it conflicts with modern scientific thought. But the Bible says in Psalm 119:160, "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever." John 17:17 says, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." And Jesus said, as is recorded in Matthew 5:18, "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." So is it possible to make a compelling case that Christian belief is based in evidential reality and is far from being a blind or naïve leap of faith? The answer to that is yes! Why do people question or even attack the Bible? Does "apologetics" mean Christians are apologizing for the Bible or their faith? What does it mean that the Bible is inspired by God? Is it inerrant, sufficient and complete? What are six of the most compelling lines of evidence related to the Bible? These and other related questions are answered by Todd Hampson. Todd is an author, speaker, illustrator, animation producer, and co-host of the Prophecy Pros podcast. Todd's award-winning animation company, Timbuktoons, has produced content for many well-known ministry organizations. Todd has a burden to reach the next generation with the Gospel through the convincing proofs of Bible prophecy and apologetics--the very things that led to his salvation as a teenager. He is author of the newly released, "The Apologetics Guide to Trusting the Bible."