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Sunday, June 14, 2026 Series: Rooted
Sunday, May 10, 2026 Standalone Sermon Passage: 1 John
Today, we are pleased to share an audio essay written and read by Fred Sanders entitled "5 Myths about the Trinity." Fred Sanders is a professor of theology at the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. He is also the author of 'The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything' from Crossway. Read the essay here. Complete this survey for a free audiobook by Kevin DeYoung! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show!
Derrick and Jeff welcome Brad Webb, Tony Adams, and Dan Cochran to talk about decades of Memphis-area recording and gigging, including sessions with Blind Mississippi Morris, Fred Sanders, and others. Brad describes building a barn studio in 1987, working with analog tape and early mic-mixing techniques, and running hundreds of blues jams at venues like Rum Boogie, Stage Stop, and Rock House Live. Dan shares that most of his studio work happened in Brad's room but prefers live performance, and explains how he became a left-handed person who plays right-handed bass. Tony recounts signing a first record deal at 17, recording at Phillips Studios with Sam Phillips at the console, then working in major analog studios and becoming a sought-after drum tech and tuner, including a story from sessions tied to Matchbox 20's early work. TIP BUCKET If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community. Venmo - @therhythmsectionpod CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
Sunday, March 15, 2026 Series: Greater Than All Gods Passage: Exodus 14
Why are we committed to a Protestant understanding of Christianity? What is a unique Protestant view of the Bible, the gospel, and the ordinances? In this episode, we talk with Biola professor Fred Sanders about the historical and biblical reasons to be Protestant. We also carefully define what is meant by “Protestant” and respond to common objections such as the claim that Protestantism shifts the locus of authority to the individual and thus leads to fragmentation. Dr. Fred Sanders is a systematic theologian who studies and teaches across the entire range of classic Christian doctrine, but with a primary focus on the doctrine of the Trinity. Sanders has taught in Torrey Honors College since 1999, and is an amateur historian of Biola's institutional history. He is co-founder of the annual Los Angeles Theology Conference, and maintains an active internet presence via Twitter and blog. He and his family are members of Grace Evangelical Free Church. ==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California. Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically. To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.
Sunday, December 28, 2025 Series: Not Ashamed To Call Them Brothers Passage: Matthew 2:1-12
What does it really mean to be Protestant? Is it simply “not Catholic,” or does it stand for a positive, historic, and biblically-rooted vision of Christianity? Today, I'm speaking with my Biola University colleague Dr. Fred Sanders. We discuss the meaning, history, and theological distinctives of Protestantism. Sanders explains why the term “Protestant” is often misunderstood, how the Reformation connects to the entire Christian tradition, and what Protestants believe about Scripture, grace, justification and good works. READ: "Union with Christ and the Life of Faith," by Fred Sanders (https://amzn.to/49soUTn) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [smdcertdisc] for 25% off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM) *See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (https://bit.ly/448STKK) FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: https://x.com/Sean_McDowell TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sean_mcdowell?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/ Website: https://seanmcdowell.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Four conservative Biola profs (Sean McDowell, Thaddeus Williams, Fred Sanders, Erik Thoennes) respond to the recent "drama" surrounding the questions Alisa Childers, Monique Duson and I have been raising. I appreciate these brothers and want you to hear their responses in their words. I also want you to understand what they DIDN'T say. Bombshells: Sean won't send kids to "center-left" Sociology department; Fred admits left-leaning hires; Thad says Biola "got crazy" 2014-2020 and is now reforming. At the end, I recount my 2021 meeting with top-level administration. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ3rPKlc2Zk #Biola #IsBiolaWoke
Summary In this episode, Dr. Michael Easley is joined by theologian Dr. Fred Sanders to explore the essential connection between the Trinity and the Christian life. Dr. Sanders explains how the work of salvation is one unified act of God—accomplished by the Son and applied by the Spirit. Together, they discuss how terms like “indwelling,” “filling,” and “illumination” describe the Spirit's role in bringing believers into the fullness of Christ's work. Dr. Sanders highlights that while different traditions use various words to capture the Spirit's activity, the unifying theme is that the Spirit applies what belongs to Christ directly to believers. He emphasizes that this understanding keeps Christians from fragmenting salvation into pieces and instead shows how the Father, Son, and Spirit work inseparably for our redemption. The conversation also touches on practical challenges: why faithful Christians sometimes reach different conclusions in studying Scripture, how conscience and conviction intersect, and how works fit into salvation. Ultimately, Dr. Sanders reminds us that the Trinity is not “doctrine number 21” tacked onto our faith, but the very center that holds all Christian belief and experience together. Takeaways Salvation is accomplished by the Son and applied by the Spirit. Terms like indwelling, filling, and illumination describe aspects of the Spirit's work. The Spirit takes what belongs to Christ and gives it to believers. Conscience is an unreliable master but a useful servant under the Spirit's guidance. Good works flow naturally from salvation but never earn it. The Trinity is not an add-on doctrine but the framework that unites all Christian belief. Links Mentioned The Deep Things of God: How The Trinity Changes Everything by Dr. Fred Sanders Dr. Sanders' website Union With Christ and The Life of Faith by Dr. Fred Sanders
In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Forbes Magazine publisher and author Rich Karlgaard on the power of “late bloomers.” We live in a world obsessed with early achievement, but you may be surprised and inspired by what older individuals launch and achieve. Not only is Karlgaard and expert on the intersection of business and innovation, he is also a best-selling author and an economic and market forecaster. Plus, Karlgaard considers himself to be a late bloomer! This episode is packed with Karlgaard's wisdom and examples that completely destroy the current trends of pressuring children to overachieve and assuming there is failure if someone is not “a success” by age 30. Absolutely false! And you'll learn why these notions are false in this very special interview... Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, including Spotify and Apple, just click here! We are always grateful for your 5-star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts, which helps us reach even more people!! SHOW NOTES: RICH KARLGAARD: BIO: Award-winning entrepreneur-turned-publisher, columnist, author, television commentator, private investor and board director, Rich Karlgaard has a unique vantage point on the trends driving the business and economic climates. BOOKS: Late Bloomers, the power of patience in a world obsessed with early achievement, by Rich Karlgaard, Fred Sanders, et.al. The Soft Edge: Where Great Companies Find Lasting Success, by Rich Karlgaard and Michael S. Malone Team Genius: The New Science of High-Performing Organizations, by Rich Karlgaard WEBSITE: http://richkarlgaard.com/
Scott Swain, Matthew Barrett, Fred Sanders, and JV Fesko team up in this second episode of the Credo Alliance to answer whether Natural Theology is consistent with the gospel. When… Download Audio
Scott Swain, Matthew Barrett, Fred Sanders, and JV Fesko team up in this episode of the Credo Alliance to explain why Natural Theology matters, contrary to caricatures. In the last… Download Audio
Series: Treasure In Jars Of Clay Passage: 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11
This episode is a response to a tweet from @redeemedzoomer6053 regarding the question "Do Christians worship the same God as the Jews?". I mentioned Jacob @faturechi , Paul Vanderklay @PaulVanderKlay , Tripp Parker, Bethel McGrew, Rabbi Tovia Singer @ToviaSinger1 , Dale Tuggy, Beau Branson, William Hasker, William Lane Craig, Marcion, Michael Heiser, James McGrath, Athanasius of Alexandria, Hilary of Poitiers, Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Fred Sanders, and more. Redeemed Zoomer on Paul Vanderklay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJIUh_rsqAs&t=2sMy video on Worship and Jesus - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi1t3Es6uCY&t=1sDevelopment of the Trinity - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQt_QO4ASAQ&t=5787sJames McGrath paper on Two Powers - https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1111&context=facsch_papersArizona Christian Study - https://www.arizonachristian.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/AWVI-2025_03_Most-Americans-Reject-the-Trinity_FINAL_03_26_2025.pdf
This Podcast is Making Me Thirsty (The World's #1 Seinfeld Destination)
Seinfeld Podcast Interview With Fred Sanders. Fred played "John Mollica" in the Season 3 "Seinfeld" episode, "The Pez Dispenser." You know Fred from The Single Guy, Caroline in the City, Just Shoot Me, The West Wing, Malcom in the Middle, TitusThis Podcast Is Making Me Thirsty is a podcast dedicated to Seinfeld, the last, great sitcom of our time. We are The #1 Destination for Seinfeld Fans.We talk with those responsible for making Seinfeld the greatest sitcom in TV history. Our guests are Seinfeld writers, Seinfeld actors and actresses and Seinfeld crew.We also welcome well-known Seinfeld fans from all walks of life including authors, entertainers, and TV & Radio personalities.We analyze Seinfeld and breakdown the show with an honest insight. We rank every Seinfeld episode and compare Seinfeld seasons. If you are a fan of Seinfeld, television history, sitcoms, acting, comedy or entertainment, this is the place for you.Do us a solid, support the Podcast
Series: With All Boldness And Without Hindrance Passage: Acts 19:8-41
Dr. Fred Sanders brings us a word from Ephesians 1:3-14, emphasizing Paul's use of three triads: one of blessing, one of time, and one of the Trinity.
Series: With All Boldness And Without Hindrance Passage: The Book of Acts
Exodus 3:13-15; John 14:8-11; Acts 2:1-4 - The Nicene Creed begins with an affirmation that there is "one God," though it makes clear as it goes on that it is not only the Father, but also the Son and the Spirit who are also to be worshipped as God. With this statement, we are plunged into the heart of the mysterious, beautiful doctrine of who the Christian God is: the doctrine of the Trinity and the love of God. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 2 of our series "The Nicene Creed: The Ancient Theology of the Triune God"] Questions for reflection: 1) Why is it important that we spend the effort necessary to think rightly about God? Do you find it naturally exciting or difficult? 2) How is the Trinity different from polytheism (multiple gods), modalism (God shows up in different modes), and subordinationism (Jesus is a lesser god/entity)? 3) Why do you think the Trinity became such an important concept for Christians despite the word not appearing in the Bible? 4) Cameron (following Fred Sanders) argued that we might get our best glimpse at the Trinity in the major moments of salvation history--through the missions of the Father (at the Exodus), the Son (at the incarnation/crucifixion), and the Spirit (at Pentecost). As God acted to save His people, we learned more about who He is. What do you think of this? 5) In John 17:24, Jesus shared about the love He experienced from the Father before creation. What light does this shed on the idea that "God is love"?
Victoria Villarreal and an ensemble cast narrate a thrilling epic set in 1950s Hollywood. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile's Emily Connelly discuss this lush historical novel based around a Biblical sword-and-sandal film. When an unknown actress from Mexico is cast to play Salome in the latest picture, tempers flare. Villarreal capably narrates the three main storylines: Vera Larios, the unknown Mexican ingénue; Nancy Hartley, a bit player who feels cheated out of a starring role; and Salome herself. Additional narrators voice brief interviews and gossipy articles to give listeners further insight into the tragic tale. Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile's website. Published by Random House Audio. Discover thousands of audiobook reviews and more at AudioFile's website. The sponsor for today's podcast is Hachette Audio, the publisher of CONNIE, a witty memoir about legendary journalist Connie Chung's experience as the first Asian woman to break into the overwhelmingly white male dominated news industry--read by Connie Chung! Find out more at Hachette Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Minister Fred Sanders and muscians of Birmingham Alabama. Today breaking the bread of life. Minister Sanders was a member of the Wings of Cathedral of Greater Faith Church 3rd Ave in Brimingham Alabama. Under the direction of the Holy Ghost and Bishop Charles C Woods.
Series: With All Boldness And Without Hindrance Passage: Acts 9:32-11:18
Is the Holy Spirit an impersonal force? What are some common misconceptions about the Holy Spirit and what are some vital truths to know to live in the power of the Spirit? Sean and Scott Rae speak with fellow Biola professor Fred Sanders about these questions and his new book The Holy Spirit: An Introduction. READ: The Holy Spirit: An Introduction (https://amzn.to/4appf62) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [SMDCERTDISC] for $100 off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM) *See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (https://bit.ly/448STKK) FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sean_McDowell TikTok: @sean_mcdowell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/ Website: https://seanmcdowell.org
In this video Gavin Ortlund and Fred Sanders discuss the filiioque, the doctrine that the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. Ryan McGraw's What is Covenant Theology?: https://www.amazon.com/What-Covenant-Theology-Promises-Sacraments/dp/1433592770 Fred Sanders The Deep Things of God: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Things-God-Second-Everything/dp/1433556375/ Fred Sanders' The Holy Spirit: https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Spirit-Introduction-Systematic-Theology/dp/1433561433/ Truth Unites exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville. SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunites FOLLOW: Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/ Website: https://truthunites.org/
What's the Big Deal About The Trinity, Anyway? The Trinity. It forms the center of Christian doctrine, yet most Christians today either don't understand it or ignore it as something not important. But if God wasn't a triune being, our salvation would be impossible. How can we make the Trinity more comprehensible? In this episode I interview Dr. Fred Sanders of Biola University, an expert on the Trinity, as we explore the deep things of God.
Series: The Resurrection And The Life Passage: John 21:1-14
Who is the Holy Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives? What are some common misconceptions about the Holy Spirit and what are some vital truths to know to live in the power of the Spirit? Sean and Scott speak with fellow Biola professor Fred Sanders about these questions and his new book The Holy Spirit: An Introduction.Fred Sanders (PhD, Graduate Theological Union) is a professor of theology at the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. Sanders is the author of multiple books including The Deep Things of God. He blogs regularly at fredfredfred.com.Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/encountering-the-holy-spirit.==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California. Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.
Guest pastor Fred Sanders preaches on Ephesians 1 regarding the Trinity.
Greg answers questions about whether one must believe in eternal generation to be saved, why the question of significance is so important, reconciling Matthew 7:21–23 with grace, and justifying self-defense in light of Jesus telling us to turn the other cheek. Topics: Is my salvation at stake if I don't believe in eternal generation, contrary to the Athanasian Creed? (01:00) Why is the question of significance the most important question facing America today? (11:00) How do you reconcile Matthew 7:21–23 (“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of Heaven”) with other verses, like Ephesians 2:8–9, that describe a gospel of grace? (23:00) Taking into consideration Matthew 5:38–39, where Jesus says to turn the other cheek, how do we justify self-defense? (42:00) Mentioned on the Show: The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything by Fred Sanders Retrieving Eternal Generation – Edited by Fred Sanders and Scott Swain Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Reality Student Apologetics Conference – March 22–23, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA; April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA
Series: What Child Is This? Passage: John 1:14
Who is the Holy Spirit, and how does an understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit contribute to our life and faith as believers in Jesus? Fred Sanders is professor of theology at the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. He is the author of a much sought-after series of theological comic books, as well as the recently published book, The Holy Spirit: an Introduction, which is part of the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series put out by Crossway Publishing. Fred has focused much of his theological work on the topic of the Trinity, so when it comes to talking about the person and work of the Holy Spirit, he has a unique and helpful perspective. In this episode we talk about what the Bible says and doesn't say about the Holy Spirit, whether it's okay to pray to the Holy Spirit, and more. Make sure to visit the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyforthepeople/support
In yet another brazen foray into hot topics, Matt, Derek, and Alastair talk with eminent trinitarian theologian, Dr. Fred Sanders, about why masculine terms are used to refer to God. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Pastoral Ethics [0:00] Our Trinitarian Correspondent [1:54] Referring to God [3:22] Matt's Second Publication [7:19] Personhood & Revelation [8:42] Trinity First, Then Creation [11:47] Now It's Personal [15:13] Back to the Spirit [19:19] Feminine Imagery & Feminine Identity [24:17] Breath [31:33] Utility [34:43]
In this episode of the Credo Alliance, Credo Fellows John Fesko, Fred Sanders, and Scott Swain join Matthew Barrett to discuss the Holy Spirit and the eternal spiration of the Holy Spirit. They explore the historical and theological background of the Nicene Creed, and the implications of the Holy Spirit’s procession from the Father and… Download Audio
An ensemble of wildly talented narrators elevates Daniel Sweren-Becker's fictional true-crime case, told through first-person interviews. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile's Michele Cobb discuss a full-cast narration that takes the listener on a rollercoaster ride. The narrators infuse a generous amount of personality and empathy into their portrayals of the community, media, and family involved in the tragic case of a missing teenager. A compelling audio with a winning combination of narrators. Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile's website. Published by Harper Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Dreamscape Publishing, an independent audiobook publisher, produces and publishes award-winning and bestselling titles, including those from Lisa Jewell, Jeneva Rose, and Annie Ernaux. For more information and to see Dreamscape's entire catalog, visit dreamscapepublishing.com. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/AUDIOFILE and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Brian Synott sits down with Mike Neglia for a discussion about bivocational ministry, therapy, addiction recovery and prison ministry. He recounts his first sermon at a hyper-charismatic youth group in county Cork, Ireland in the late 1980s and the significant growth that has taken place in his ministry since then. They speak about the surprising influence of Calvary Chapel on Brian's preaching philosophy and the value of verse-by-verse teaching as a way of growing believers AND combating heresy. They also speak about cigarettes, dyspraxia, guest-speaking, and the importance of being a good listener before you attempt to be a good speaker. Biography: Brian is married to Doris and has three sons, Chris, Andrew and Nathan. As a teenager, Brian had a dramatic encounter with God, which marked the beginning of a journey away from severe depression and other troubles. 40 years on, Brian has been ordained as a Christian Minister (Elim), pastored for over 20 years, and led in planting churches in Ireland. He is the National Director of Christian Counselling International (Ireland). He has practised as a Theotherapy counsellor for nearly 25 years. He has worked with a total of 7 Christian Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation centres, the primary centres being with Teen Challenge U.K. and Tiglin Ireland. He has been the Services manager for Dublin Christian Mission, managing a team thats remit was to bring hope to those with adtive addiction and homelessness, etc.... He has been the Supervisor of the Elevate Program in the YMCA, leading young people under 25 in their aftercare program / away from a life of substance misuse towards functionality, further education, employment etc.… He works as a prison Chaplain and counsels, trains, and supervises other Theotherapy counsellors. He is regularly asked to speak in seminars/workshops on Theotherapy and is often a guest preacher / Bible teacher. Brian loves to speak on the radio on both Biblical and Mental Health subjects. Brian's primary Honours degree is in Christian Ministry and Theology from Manchester University. He has since earned a Doctorate in Theotherapy and a Stage 3 Supervisory qualification with the British Association of Counsellors and Practitioners in the U.K. (B.A.C.P.). He has been a lecturer in the Teen Challenge Leadership Academy as well as teaching/training the staff of T.C.U.K.. He loves the Word of God and is passionate about seeing Christians released to their full potential, thus assisting many other people in their lives and ultimately glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ. Recommended Episodes: Bridging the Gap between Counselling and Preaching - Conor Berry : https://expositorscollective.org/expositors-collective-podcast/bridging-the-gap-between-counselling-and-preaching-conor-berry/ Learning from John the Baptist - George Scanlan: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2021/2/16/learning-from-john-the-baptist-george-scanlan What is the Holy Spirit doing when we Preach? Fred Sanders : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/applied-pneumatology-what-is-the-holy-spirit-doing-when-we-preach Resources Mentioned: Brian's sermon at Calvary Cork: https://youtube.com/live/Z63tQLdzLwM "Neither a borrower nor a lender be" : https://poemanalysis.com/shakespeare-quotes/neither-a-borrower-nor-a-lender-be/ Cork YMCA : https://ymca-ireland.net/cork-regional/ Connect with Us: For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/ Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective Click here to support Expositors Collective
Author and Greenville Seminary professor Ryan McGraw sits down with James and Jonathan today to discuss his latest book, A Mystery Revealed: 31 Meditations on the Trinity. In this book, Ryan offers a fresh perspective on how the Trinity forms the foundation for everything from evangelism to corporate worship. The 31 daily meditations help bring this heavenly doctrine down to earth for the average Christian to experience. Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of Ryan's book, thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books. Show Notes: Dr. McGraw recommended this book on the Holy Spirit by Fred Sanders: https://www.crossway.org/books/the-holy-spirit-tpb-2/
Ephesus was a city whose economy depended on trade. It was frequently visited by people wishing to see and experience one of the seven wonders of the world of their day known as the Temple of Artemis/Diana. The economy, culture, and ethics of Ephesus all centered on the goddess of Diana and the temple built in her honor. The temple was supported by 127 giant pillars believed to have been given as gifts by 127 different kings. The temple housed many priests and priestesses who operated under a castrated male who functioned as the high priest. The male priests were in charge of offering the sacrifices to Diana, which also included human sacrifice. The female priests were unmarried women given the responsibility to be channels of worship to Diana which was performed through intercourse of any male wishing to worship Diana with her priestesses. You can see why worship in the temple of Diana was so popular. Because the worship of Diana was the main religion in Ephesus, ritual prostitution was a dominant feature of the religious atmosphere in Ephesus. Spirits, we know as demons, frequently possessed the priestesses as well as the worshiper which should come to be no surprise, for the Bible says: that the things Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God (1 Cor. 10:20). Anytime an offering is given to an idol, it is an offering given to a demon not merely an image Diana was no exception. When the apostle Paul stopped in Ephesus to preach, the gospel disrupted the worship of the goddess of Artemis/Diana as people in the city heard the good news about Jesus Christ and gave their lives to Him. So profound was the gospels impact upon the culture of Ephesus that some who made their living off the worship of Diana expressed their great concern: in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made by hands are not gods at all. Not only is there danger that this trade of ours will fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be regarded as worthless, and that she whom all of Asia and the world worship will even be dethroned from her magnificence (see Acts 19:2328). Paul spent over two years in Ephesus where God used him to establish the same church to which he would write the epistle to the Ephesians years later, while in prison. The city of Ephesus was a very scary place full of demonic activity, full of women who were held as sex slaves, full of all kinds of perverts seeking to get cheap thrills under the guise of religion, radical feminists who distained the existence of men, public baths, and bathrooms, where modesty was considered taboo, all of which were ruled by a demon posing to be a free-spirited goddess. It is in this city that a church was birthed, cultural norms challenged, and lives transformed. What you also need to know is that years before Paul brought the gospel to Ephesus, he tried to prevent its spread because he was convinced Christianity had to be destroyed. Of his former life as a pharisee, Paul wrote in Philippians 3, If anyone else thinks he is confident in the flesh, I have more reason: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless (Phil. 3:46). Paul approved of the stoning of Stephen, who was sentenced to death because of his outspoken faith in Jesus (see Acts 7). Regarding his salvation and faith in Jesus, Paul wrote to Timothy (who would eventually become the pastor of the church in Ephesus): It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost (1 Tim. 1:15). What does it Mean to be a Christian? Fred Sanders, in his masterful book, The Deep Things of God, wrote of the gospel, The gospel so outstrips our created measurements that it can be measured only against something as immense as God himself. Sanders further comments, There is one place in Scripture where this sheer greatness of the gospel is most profusely described: the blessing with which Paul opens the epistle to the Ephesians.[1] In the weeks to come, we will plumb the depths of Ephesians 1:1-14, but for now, I only want to show you who you are if you are a Christian and who you can be, by the grace of God, if you are not. The Christian is Saved by the Will of God (v. 1) In the very first sentence to these Christians surrounded by some of the darkest evils, Paul attributes his salvation and apostleship to the will of God. The stoning of Stephen and his part in the imprisonment and persecution of Christians was not too much for the grace of God to overcome. In fact, a survey of the Bible will show you that when it comes to the will of man and the will of God, it is the will of man to run from God and it is only because of will greater than our own that God is able to pursue us and find us. The Christian has the Grace and Peace of God (v. 2) Before salvation, Paul and the Ephesian Christians stood before a holy God guilty, awaiting a judgment under the wrath of God, and the same can be said of you and me. The Bible says, because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God (Rom. 2:5). But now, because of what Jesus accomplished, the Christian has received the grace and peace of God. The Christian has the Blessing of God (v. 3) What the Ephesian Christians had before Paul brought the gospel to them was wrath. In fact, Paul describes what it was that they had before they met Jesus in the next chapter: And you were dead in your offenses and sins, in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air we too all previously lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:1-3). However, because of the saving work of Jesus, the Christian has received, every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. The Christian is Saved by God to be Holy and Blameless Before God (v. 4) Paul was committed to the idol of his religious legalism while the Ephesians were indulged in their worship of Diana; both were far from God, yet it was God who rescued them from their idols and from their sin. Why did God save Paul and those who made up the Ephesian Church? Why did he save any of us? Well, verse 4 answers that question for us: that we would be holy and blameless before Him. God saved you to change you, and that change is moving you closer and closer to holiness and blamelessness. The Christian is Made a Son/Daughter of God (v. 5) Before Jesus, the Christian was a child of devil (1 John 3:7-10) and a child of wrath (Eph. 2:3). But through Jesus, the Christian is adopted, as sons and daughters. As a son and a daughter, you who once stood under a wrath deserved, now stand as a child of God with all the rights and privileges of a God who now takes pleasure in you! Because you are a child of God, our inheritance is no longer condemnation, but the riches of the glory of His inheritance (v. 18). The Christian is Favored by God (v. 6) According to verse 6, the Christian is favored by God. But why is the Christian favored by God? The Christian is favored by God because of the Beloved. So, who is the Beloved? The Beloved is the Son of God. The NET Bible rightly translates verse 6 this way: to the praise of the glory of his grace that he has freely bestowed on us in his dearly loved Son. So, what this means dear Christian, is that the only reason why you are favored by God is because you are now in His Son, Jesus Christ. You are favored not because of anything you have done but because of everything that Jesus has already done on your account and on your behalf! The Christian is Forgiven by God (v. 7) You who once stood condemned by God now stand forgiven through the Son. You have been redeemed through the blood of Christ for the forgiveness of all your sins. The forgiveness of your sins through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is owing only to the immeasurable riches of the grace of God. Lord, I did not freely choose youTill by grace you set me free;For my heart would still refuse, Had your love not chosen me. The Christian is Rich in the Grace of God (v. 8) If you are a Christian, you have redemption through Jesus and nothing owning to yourself! If there was or is any confusion as to what it was that caused a Holy God to look down upon you with favor for the purpose of redeeming you, it is simply this: We have redemption through His blood according to the riches of His grace. In what way did we received His grace and how did the Almighty distribute His grace? He lavished his grace on us (v. 8)! The Christian has Been Permitted to Know God (v. 9) When it comes to knowing God, we are told, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ (2 Cor. 4:4). Furthermore, the Bible informs us that, a natural person [sinner] does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor. 2:14). So how does a person come to know the will of God? Only through Jesus according to the good pleasure of God. The Christian has a Future with God (v. 11a) The One you sinned against, the One before Whom you once stood against in arrogance, the One you were blinded to, the One before heaven and earth has no place to hid and recoils before His infinite holiness (Rev. 20:11), and of whom the angles declare: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD God Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come. (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8), you, Christian, are now known and favored by! This is why Jesus said, My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Fathers hand (John 10:27-29). The Christian has the Security of God (v. 13) You, Christian, who was once dead in your sins (Eph. 2:1-3) and are now alive in Christ (2:4), are sealed by the Holy Spirit. This means that the One who holds you in His hand will keep you in His hand, and according to verses 13-14, He has given you His Spirit as a seal which serves as a down payment of more to come! Dont you ever forget the words of our savior dear Christian: I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Fathers hand (John 10:28-29). The Christian is Treasured by God (v. 14) Finally, you who were once far off, spiritually dead, and hostile towards God are now treasured by God. The apostle Peter put it this way: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a Holy nation, a people for Gods own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9). One way to translate verses 13-14 from the Greek is this way: In Jesus, you also having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom having also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the initial installment of our inheritance, until the redemption of His adopted children, who were purchased to be His treasured possession to the praise of His glory. Conclusion So, who are you Christian? You are saved by the will of God. You have the grace and peace of God. You have the blessing of God. You are redeemed to be holy and blameless before God. You are a son/daughter of God. You are favored by God. You are forgiven by God. You are rich in the grace of God. You now know God. You have a future with God. You have the security of God. You are treasured by God. Who are you? If you have placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, you are a Christian! So, I leave you with only two questions. First, how did God save you? He saved you through Jesus Christ; this is why the apostle Paul used the phrase in Christ, in Him, and through Him ten times in just fourteen verses. Second, why did God save you Christian? God did it for the praise of His glory. And he uses that phrase at the end of his explanation of the Fathers role in your salvation (vv. 3-6), at the end of his explanation of the Sons role in your salvation (vv. 7-12), and at the end of the Holy Spirits role in your salvation (vv. 13-14). Amen. [1] Fred Sanders. The Deep Things of God (Wheaton, IL: Crossway; 2017), p. 105.
Ephesus was a city whose economy depended on trade. It was frequently visited by people wishing to see and experience one of the seven wonders of the world of their day known as the Temple of Artemis/Diana. The economy, culture, and ethics of Ephesus all centered on the goddess of Diana and the temple built in her honor. The temple was supported by 127 giant pillars believed to have been given as gifts by 127 different kings. The temple housed many priests and priestesses who operated under a castrated male who functioned as the high priest. The male priests were in charge of offering the sacrifices to Diana, which also included human sacrifice. The female priests were unmarried women given the responsibility to be channels of worship to Diana which was performed through intercourse of any male wishing to worship Diana with her priestesses. You can see why worship in the temple of Diana was so popular. Because the worship of Diana was the main religion in Ephesus, ritual prostitution was a dominant feature of the religious atmosphere in Ephesus. Spirits, we know as demons, frequently possessed the priestesses as well as the worshiper which should come to be no surprise, for the Bible says: that the things Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God (1 Cor. 10:20). Anytime an offering is given to an idol, it is an offering given to a demon not merely an image Diana was no exception. When the apostle Paul stopped in Ephesus to preach, the gospel disrupted the worship of the goddess of Artemis/Diana as people in the city heard the good news about Jesus Christ and gave their lives to Him. So profound was the gospels impact upon the culture of Ephesus that some who made their living off the worship of Diana expressed their great concern: in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made by hands are not gods at all. Not only is there danger that this trade of ours will fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be regarded as worthless, and that she whom all of Asia and the world worship will even be dethroned from her magnificence (see Acts 19:2328). Paul spent over two years in Ephesus where God used him to establish the same church to which he would write the epistle to the Ephesians years later, while in prison. The city of Ephesus was a very scary place full of demonic activity, full of women who were held as sex slaves, full of all kinds of perverts seeking to get cheap thrills under the guise of religion, radical feminists who distained the existence of men, public baths, and bathrooms, where modesty was considered taboo, all of which were ruled by a demon posing to be a free-spirited goddess. It is in this city that a church was birthed, cultural norms challenged, and lives transformed. What you also need to know is that years before Paul brought the gospel to Ephesus, he tried to prevent its spread because he was convinced Christianity had to be destroyed. Of his former life as a pharisee, Paul wrote in Philippians 3, If anyone else thinks he is confident in the flesh, I have more reason: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless (Phil. 3:46). Paul approved of the stoning of Stephen, who was sentenced to death because of his outspoken faith in Jesus (see Acts 7). Regarding his salvation and faith in Jesus, Paul wrote to Timothy (who would eventually become the pastor of the church in Ephesus): It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost (1 Tim. 1:15). What does it Mean to be a Christian? Fred Sanders, in his masterful book, The Deep Things of God, wrote of the gospel, The gospel so outstrips our created measurements that it can be measured only against something as immense as God himself. Sanders further comments, There is one place in Scripture where this sheer greatness of the gospel is most profusely described: the blessing with which Paul opens the epistle to the Ephesians.[1] In the weeks to come, we will plumb the depths of Ephesians 1:1-14, but for now, I only want to show you who you are if you are a Christian and who you can be, by the grace of God, if you are not. The Christian is Saved by the Will of God (v. 1) In the very first sentence to these Christians surrounded by some of the darkest evils, Paul attributes his salvation and apostleship to the will of God. The stoning of Stephen and his part in the imprisonment and persecution of Christians was not too much for the grace of God to overcome. In fact, a survey of the Bible will show you that when it comes to the will of man and the will of God, it is the will of man to run from God and it is only because of will greater than our own that God is able to pursue us and find us. The Christian has the Grace and Peace of God (v. 2) Before salvation, Paul and the Ephesian Christians stood before a holy God guilty, awaiting a judgment under the wrath of God, and the same can be said of you and me. The Bible says, because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God (Rom. 2:5). But now, because of what Jesus accomplished, the Christian has received the grace and peace of God. The Christian has the Blessing of God (v. 3) What the Ephesian Christians had before Paul brought the gospel to them was wrath. In fact, Paul describes what it was that they had before they met Jesus in the next chapter: And you were dead in your offenses and sins, in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air we too all previously lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:1-3). However, because of the saving work of Jesus, the Christian has received, every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. The Christian is Saved by God to be Holy and Blameless Before God (v. 4) Paul was committed to the idol of his religious legalism while the Ephesians were indulged in their worship of Diana; both were far from God, yet it was God who rescued them from their idols and from their sin. Why did God save Paul and those who made up the Ephesian Church? Why did he save any of us? Well, verse 4 answers that question for us: that we would be holy and blameless before Him. God saved you to change you, and that change is moving you closer and closer to holiness and blamelessness. The Christian is Made a Son/Daughter of God (v. 5) Before Jesus, the Christian was a child of devil (1 John 3:7-10) and a child of wrath (Eph. 2:3). But through Jesus, the Christian is adopted, as sons and daughters. As a son and a daughter, you who once stood under a wrath deserved, now stand as a child of God with all the rights and privileges of a God who now takes pleasure in you! Because you are a child of God, our inheritance is no longer condemnation, but the riches of the glory of His inheritance (v. 18). The Christian is Favored by God (v. 6) According to verse 6, the Christian is favored by God. But why is the Christian favored by God? The Christian is favored by God because of the Beloved. So, who is the Beloved? The Beloved is the Son of God. The NET Bible rightly translates verse 6 this way: to the praise of the glory of his grace that he has freely bestowed on us in his dearly loved Son. So, what this means dear Christian, is that the only reason why you are favored by God is because you are now in His Son, Jesus Christ. You are favored not because of anything you have done but because of everything that Jesus has already done on your account and on your behalf! The Christian is Forgiven by God (v. 7) You who once stood condemned by God now stand forgiven through the Son. You have been redeemed through the blood of Christ for the forgiveness of all your sins. The forgiveness of your sins through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is owing only to the immeasurable riches of the grace of God. Lord, I did not freely choose youTill by grace you set me free;For my heart would still refuse, Had your love not chosen me. The Christian is Rich in the Grace of God (v. 8) If you are a Christian, you have redemption through Jesus and nothing owning to yourself! If there was or is any confusion as to what it was that caused a Holy God to look down upon you with favor for the purpose of redeeming you, it is simply this: We have redemption through His blood according to the riches of His grace. In what way did we received His grace and how did the Almighty distribute His grace? He lavished his grace on us (v. 8)! The Christian has Been Permitted to Know God (v. 9) When it comes to knowing God, we are told, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ (2 Cor. 4:4). Furthermore, the Bible informs us that, a natural person [sinner] does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor. 2:14). So how does a person come to know the will of God? Only through Jesus according to the good pleasure of God. The Christian has a Future with God (v. 11a) The One you sinned against, the One before Whom you once stood against in arrogance, the One you were blinded to, the One before heaven and earth has no place to hid and recoils before His infinite holiness (Rev. 20:11), and of whom the angles declare: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD God Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come. (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8), you, Christian, are now known and favored by! This is why Jesus said, My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Fathers hand (John 10:27-29). The Christian has the Security of God (v. 13) You, Christian, who was once dead in your sins (Eph. 2:1-3) and are now alive in Christ (2:4), are sealed by the Holy Spirit. This means that the One who holds you in His hand will keep you in His hand, and according to verses 13-14, He has given you His Spirit as a seal which serves as a down payment of more to come! Dont you ever forget the words of our savior dear Christian: I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Fathers hand (John 10:28-29). The Christian is Treasured by God (v. 14) Finally, you who were once far off, spiritually dead, and hostile towards God are now treasured by God. The apostle Peter put it this way: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a Holy nation, a people for Gods own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9). One way to translate verses 13-14 from the Greek is this way: In Jesus, you also having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom having also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the initial installment of our inheritance, until the redemption of His adopted children, who were purchased to be His treasured possession to the praise of His glory. Conclusion So, who are you Christian? You are saved by the will of God. You have the grace and peace of God. You have the blessing of God. You are redeemed to be holy and blameless before God. You are a son/daughter of God. You are favored by God. You are forgiven by God. You are rich in the grace of God. You now know God. You have a future with God. You have the security of God. You are treasured by God. Who are you? If you have placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, you are a Christian! So, I leave you with only two questions. First, how did God save you? He saved you through Jesus Christ; this is why the apostle Paul used the phrase in Christ, in Him, and through Him ten times in just fourteen verses. Second, why did God save you Christian? God did it for the praise of His glory. And he uses that phrase at the end of his explanation of the Fathers role in your salvation (vv. 3-6), at the end of his explanation of the Sons role in your salvation (vv. 7-12), and at the end of the Holy Spirits role in your salvation (vv. 13-14). Amen. [1] Fred Sanders. The Deep Things of God (Wheaton, IL: Crossway; 2017), p. 105.
The new season of Theology for the People will be coming, starting in January 31, 2024, and featuring topics including: Eschatology, Church History, Mental Health, Practical Theology, and more. Upcoming guests include Shane Angland, Andrew Wilson, Peter J. Williams, and Fred Sanders. If you haven't yet done so yet, make sure to subscribe, to make sure that new episodes are delivered right to your device as soon as they are released, and keep an eye out for those new episodes coming soon! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyforthepeople/support
Professor, author and lay-preacher Fred Sanders speaks with Mike about what exactly the Holy Spirit is doing as we prepare a sermon, deliver it, and also what He is doing in the hearts, minds and lives of our hearers. He speaks about the second noetic office of the Spirit, the unremarkable sermon that sparked the Asbury Revival and inspiring trends in the preaching landscape today. You can purchase The Holy Spirit: An Introduction here: https://www.crossway.org/books/the-holy-spirit-tpb-2/ Fred Sanders is a theologian who studies and teaches across the full range of Christian doctrines, but always with a special focus on the doctrine of the Trinity. Since 1999, Fred has taught in the Torrey Honors College, an undergraduate program in the great books, at Biola University. Fred studied art (drawing and printmaking) in college, earned an MDiv at Asbury Theological Seminary, and a PhD from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. He and his wife Susan (who have been friends since they met at age 11) are members of Grace Evangelical Free Church in La Mirada, CA. They have two adult children. Fred has written several books and articles; his most important books are The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything (Crossway, 2010); The Triune God (Zondervan, 2016); and Fountain of Salvation: Trinity and Soteriology (Eerdmans, 2021). He blogs copiously here at fredfredfred.com, with colleagues at scriptoriumdaily.com, and maintains an active presence on Twitter. Recommended episodes: Preaching in the Power of the Spirit - Brian Brodersen https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/preaching-in-the-power-of-the-holy-spirit-with-brian-brodersen Following the Spirit - Suzy Silk: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/following-the-spirit-suzy-silk Slowing Down and Opening Up to the Spirit - Dan Hamel: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/slowing-down-and-opening-up-to-gods-spirit-with-dan-hamel For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/ Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective
Merry Christmas from United? We Pray. For this very special Christmas episode, we sit down with Dr. Fred Sanders to talk about the Incarnation of Christ. What does it mean that Jesus came to Earth as a baby boy? What does it mean that he came as a Jewish baby boy with a specific ethnicity? We talk about redemption, union with Christ, prayer, and what the Incarnation has to do with all of it. This was one of the most moving and devotional episodes we've ever recorded, and we hope it motivates you to greater worship of our Savior. Merry Christmas, beloved. LINKS & SHOW NOTES:This UWP Podcast Episode was produced by Josh Deng with editing by Roshane Ricketts.For more information about Fred can be found here. His excellent blog can be found here. Los Angeles Bible Training SchoolSupport the showTo learn more about United? We Pray, follow us on Twitter and keep exploring our website. Please consider rating the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe using your favorite podcast client to hear more!
Series: What Child Is This? Passage: John 1:14
Make a one-time or recurring donation on our Donor Box profile here. Join us in the mission of introducing Reformed Theology across the world! Interested in further study of the Bible? Join us at Logos Bible Software. Are you interested in a rigorous and Reformed seminary education? Call Westminster Seminary California at 888-480-8474 or visit www.wscal.edu! Please help support the show on our Patreon Page! WELCOME TO BOOK CLUB! Dr. Fred Sanders (PhD., Graduate Theological Union) is professor of theology at the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. Sanders is the author of The Deep Things of God and blogs at fredfredfred.com. We want to thank Crossway for their help in setting up this interview and providing us with the necessary materials for this interview with Dr. Sanders! Purchase the book(s) here: The Holy Spirit: An Introduction Have Feedback or Questions? Email us at: guiltgracepod@gmail.com Find us on Instagram: @guiltgracepod Follow us on Twitter: @guiltgracepod Find us on YouTube: Guilt Grace Gratitude Podcast Please rate and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you use! Looking for a Reformed Church? North American Presbyterian & Reformed Churches --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gggpodcast/support
The classic intro to Christianity, Knowing God by J.I. Packer, was published 50 years ago. To celebrate this anniversary, Derek, Alastair, and Matt welcome Fred Sanders back to the show to discuss the distinctives of evangelical spirituality and practice which shine forth in Packer's book. They also discuss the doctrine of God, classic hymns, the Keswick movement, and the contemporary literary context of which Knowing God may be the apex. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Half a Century [0:00] Evangelical Spirituality [5:31] What's Missing [11:42] Old Books [13:04] Keswick [17:55] Experience and Assurance [27:52] Thin and Thick Piety [34:09] Active/Contemplative [40:09] Remediation [42:11]
This episode is a repost of a conversation with Dr. Fred Sanders of Biola University. We discuss the names for the Holy Spirit in Scripture (2:16), the seeming "silence" of the Spirit in major moments in the biblical narrative (5:17), the Spirit in the OT (15:40), the Trinity in salvation (20:34), theological retrieval (24:30), the Trinity and theological education (31:30), and more. Buy Fred's books. Church Grammar is presented by B&H Academic and the Christian Standard Bible. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl. Producer: Katie Larson. Brandon D. Smith is Assistant Professor of Theology & New Testament at Cedarville University, Editorial Director for the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith. *** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests' views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.
On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Paul Spears and Fred Sanders, both of whom are authors, speakers, and faculty members of Torrey Honors College at Biola University. The three discuss the unique features of the Torrey Honors College and the integrated academic engagement that equips students to move beyond an unhealthy focus on scholastic performance and sink their teeth into meaningful learning. They explore the dangers of the catchphrase “critical thinking” and rethink the label of “gen ed” classes. Spears and Sanders also share wisdom about the power of leaving classes “on a comma”: unresolved, unsettled, and inviting further inquiry.
What does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit? And why did Jesus call that sin unforgivable? Is the Holy Spirit a he or something else? Should we pray to the Holy Spirit by name or should we follow Jesus's example and only pray to the Father? In the interview today, Professor Fred Sanders answers these questions and more about the Holy Spirit. Fred serves as a professor of theology at the Tory Honors Institute at Biola University and as the author of a number of books including "The Holy Spirit: An Introduction" which is part of Crossway's Short Studies in Systematic Theology series. To learn more about the Holy Spirit from Fred Sanders, check out his book The Holy Spirit: An Introduction. Read the full transcript of this episode. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show! Complete this survey for a free audiobook by Kevin DeYoung!