Podcasts about Sola scriptura

“Can we disagree with Church teachings?” This question opens a discussion on the nuances of faith and tradition, addressing what teachings might be open to personal interpretation. The conversation also touches on how to respond to claims that tradition is unnecessary, the nature of the Mass as a propitiatory sacrifice, and the implications of the canon problem for Sola Scriptura. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:58 – What Church teachings can we disagree with? 11:00 – How to I respond when a protestant says that they don't need tradition because everything that was needed was written in scripture? 20:20 – Can you explain how the Mass is a propitiatory sacrifice contrary to how the reformers would understand it? 45:40 – What is the canon problem and how is it detrimental to Sola Scriptura? 53:10 – Why is Church infallibility necessary and why not just have Church authority?

“Can we disagree with Church teachings?” This question opens a discussion on the nuances of faith and tradition, addressing what teachings might be open to personal interpretation. The conversation also touches on how to respond to claims that tradition is unnecessary, the nature of the Mass as a propitiatory sacrifice, and the implications of the canon problem for Sola Scriptura. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:58 – What Church teachings can we disagree with? 11:00 – How to I respond when a protestant says that they don't need tradition because everything that was needed was written in scripture? 20:20 – Can you explain how the Mass is a propitiatory sacrifice contrary to how the reformers would understand it? 45:40 – What is the canon problem and how is it detrimental to Sola Scriptura? 53:10 – Why is Church infallibility necessary and why not just have Church authority?

Well, it's two months to go till we have our debate in Gilbert, Arizona with Craig Truglia, and so...it's on my mind. So that's what we talked about today, getting into events at Nicea II, Patriarch Tarasios, etc. Don't tune it out! Vitally important material relevant to a lot of other things as well.

Well, it's two months to go till we have our debate in Gilbert, Arizona with Craig Truglia, and so...it's on my mind. So that's what we talked about today, getting into events at Nicea II, Patriarch Tarasios, etc. Don't tune it out! Vitally important material relevant to a lot of other things as well.

“Why Reject Sola Scriptura?” This episode addresses key concerns about the authority of Scripture versus Tradition, including the top reasons to reject sola scriptura and the implications of Mary's sinlessness for those exploring Catholicism. Additional questions tackle the interpretation of Acts 17:11 and whether Jesus criticized Tradition, providing a comprehensive look at these important topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:20 – Top 3 reasons to Reject Sola Scriptura 16:20 – I've heard Protestants cite Acts 17:11 in support of sola scriptura: “they received the word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Is that a good translation? 22:30 – My friend believes in sola scripture, and is interested in Catholicism, but can't get over our belief in the sinlessness of Mary. How can I help him? 29:15 – Does Jesus speak badly of Tradition? 33:30 – Would John 21 verse 25 (that not everything Jesus did could not be contained in books) be a good citation in refuting sola scriptura? 36:18 – Which of the Bible writers were Protestant? If none, why are the Protestants trying to claim it is their bible? 45:35 – In my Church there are some “traditions” that are not part of the Mass but are done during Mass anyway. 48:29 – My evangelical friend told me there are books in the Catholic Bible that were written 400 years before Jesus was born, and that's where Catholics get all their crazy teachings. He says they are not divinely inspired but Catholics put them in there. 51:55 – My niece told me she left the Church because it was founded by the Romans, and that her priest didn't know scripture.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE - https://youtu.be/-OTI-SAWgmI The sermon argues for the enduring value of Latin as a foundation for intellectual rigor, cultural literacy, and theological understanding. It traces the historical decline of classical education in favor of practical skills, contrasting this shift with the deep influence of Latin on English vocabulary, law, and scientific terminology. The speaker highlights key Reformation principles expressed in Latin, such as Sola Scriptura and Simul Justus et Peccator, to emphasize the importance of doctrinal clarity. By citing Isaiah 4:6, the message warns that rejecting knowledge leads to spiritual destruction, urging believers to engage their minds through rigorous study. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a renewed commitment to learning and truth as essential tools for defending Christian liberty and heritage in a modern world.

“What’s the best defense for Catholicism?” This episode addresses key arguments, including the best argument for the Catholic Bible and how a Protestant can reconcile objections while exploring Catholicism. Other topics include the Church’s stance on heretics, tips for evangelizing secular friends, and navigating challenging biblical passages. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – What’s the Best Argument for the Catholic Bible? 10:20 – As a protestant, how can I bridge the gap in my objection on the assumption with my interest in Catholicism? 22:00 – Prop 33 from papal bull Exsurge Domine regarding heretics being burned. Does God want heretics to be burned? 29:08 – What tips do you have for a college student majoring in psych on how to evangelize my secular friend? 34:58 – How do we defend against Sola Scriptura rather than solo scriptura? 44:55 – My fiance has several painful chronic conditions. Would having a surgery to relieve her pain go against God’s will for her? 50:15 – Sirach seems to be very anti-woman. Sirach 25:19 seems like a contradiction on the Church’s understanding of women. How do I sort through verses like this?

In this episode, Eli addresses the issue of how the existence of multiple denominations does not undermine Sola Scriptura.

Continuing his series on Romans 8, Pastor Robert McNutt takes up Romans 8:14, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God," insisting that the Apostle's aim is assurance: the believer's confidence of salvation rests on being led by the Spirit. But what kind of leading? Not force, not compulsion, not divine browbeating. Setting Luke 4:1 beside Mark 1:12, where the Spirit "drove" Jesus into the wilderness, McNutt works through the Greek, the lexicons, and parallel uses of the same word elsewhere in Matthew and Acts to show the term need carry no violence at all. There is such a thing as the force of persuasion: the love of Christ constrains us, yet never assaults us. The Spirit enlightens the mind and persuades the will so that we actually desire the things of God. Just as the prophets were "carried along" by the Spirit without mechanical dictation, so the Spirit sanctifies without coercion, and any interpretation that makes Him a bully contradicts the New Testament. Turning practical, McNutt asks how the Spirit leads, and answers: primarily not by private guidance about callings, but by the daily putting to death of the deeds of the body, and always in and through the written Word. Because the Spirit is the Spirit of truth, and because false spirits abound, every claim to revelation beyond Scripture, whether Roman traditions about Mary or zealous elders legislating where the Bible is silent, must be rejected. Sola Scriptura. The great test is not visions or ecstasies but an enlightened mind that knows God, feels conviction of sin, treasures Christ, reads the world through creation, fall, redemption, and recreation, and waits for His return as its only hope.

Grace Covenant Baptist Church is a Reformed Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana. We are a confessional church subscribing to the Second London Baptist Confession of 1689. We adhere to the Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation; Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Soli Deo Gloria. Find more information about or listen to past sermons from Grace Covenant Baptist Church at https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/gcbcwm/

Can Christians trust Scripture? What does it mean to say that Scripture is our final authority? And how should God's Word shape the life of the Church? In this episode, Brandon and Mikey discuss the doctrine of Sola Scriptura—the teaching that Scripture alone is the final and sufficient authority for the Church. They explore what Sola Scriptura does and does not mean and why Scripture must remain central in the life of every believer. Website: https://www.gospelcommunitysc.org Give: https://www.gospelcommunitysc.org/giving

He “blew up overnight” but the real story is years of research, catechesis, and court-tested thinking. Why does a trial lawyer's mindset work so well for Orthodox apologetics?Cloud of Witnesses Mario Andrew, Jeremy Jeremiah, Michael, and James St Simon talk with online Orthodox Christian apologist Alex Sorin (https://www.youtube.com/@Alex_Ortodoxie/videos) and we wrestle with a challenging line from Father Josiah Trenham: the Church doesn't need you to defend her. So what is apologetics for? We land on a grounded answer: not saving the Church, but curing ignorance and clearing away myths, including “Constantine set the canon at Nicaea” and blanket accusations about icons, saints, and idolatry. If you care about evidence-based faith, patristics, and a historically rooted Christianity, you'll leave with better questions and sharper tools.*****Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/jRXxRaqK9Please prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Audio: https://cloudofwitnessesradio.buzzsprout.com*****Panel:Michael w/ Red Lines  @redlineshq James St Simon  @jamessaintsimon Mario St Andrew  @AndrewStMercy  Jeremy JeremiahPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

Join the show with a TEXT here!My local church has given me the privilege of teaching Sunday school in light of our most recent sermon series through the book of Jude. Jude's epistle exposes the patterns and tactics of false teachers, urging believers to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints.In that same spirit, our church aims to guard the flock and equip them with biblical clarity about groups that claim Christian identity while departing from the gospel. This Sunday school series walks through several movements and teachings that align themselves with Christianity but diverge from historic, apostolic truth.Today, we'll be examining Roman Catholicism, its claims, its distinctives, and how Scripture calls us to evaluate every doctrine. Hope you enjoy.

Title: All We Need Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 FCF: We often struggle lacking what is necessary to continue following Jesus. Prop: Because the Lord Jesus supplies all, we must seek the Lord for all we need. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. In a moment we will read the concluding benediction of the letter starting in verse 16. I will read from the Legacy Standard Bible but you can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last week, Paul officially buttoned up his main application to the church there in Thessalonica. He wants the issue of the disorderly among them dealt with and has laid out exactly how it should be handled. In the last three verses, Paul introduces three new thoughts which all have one basic application. Seek the Lord. It is perfect way to end this letter and for us to finish our study of 2 Thessalonians. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Loving and Merciful Father, You have given Your people Your Son and with Your Son's ascension You have sent Your Spirit. You have given us, You. And You are all we need. The things of this world are often a distraction to us. We pursue all manner of earthly concerns and use earthly means to make our way through life. We know that this ought not to be. Help us Father to see that You alone are what we need. Convince us through this text that we must seek You. We pray this in Jesus' name… amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “Christ is wisdom for your ignorance, strength for your weakness, righteousness for your guilt, sanctification for your corruption, redemption from all the thralldom of apostasy.” Richard Fuller “Christ is not only the Savior but the salvation itself.” Matthew Henry [Slide 3] “In His life Christ is an example showing us how to live; in His death, He is a sacrifice satisfying for our sins; in His resurrection, a conqueror; in His ascension, a king; in His intercession, a high priest.” Martin Luther “He who thinks he has no need of Christ has too high thoughts of himself. He who thinks Christ cannot help him has too low thoughts of Christ.” J.M. Mason [Slide 4] “Everything that is really worthwhile in the morality of today has come to the world through Christ. Dismiss His standards of right and wrong and try to draw up your own ethical code and see where you will be!” G. Campbell Morgan Let these thoughts prepare our hearts for the exposition of the text this morning. I.) The Lord of peace brings peace, so we must seek the Lord for all we need. (16) a. [Slide 5] 16 - Now may the Lord of peace Himself i. In the closing verses of 1 Thessalonians, Paul asked that the God of Peace sanctify them and preserve them complete and holy for the coming return of Christ. ii. When we dissected that title that Paul gave to God, as the God of Peace, we recognize that only Paul and the writer of Hebrews use this title in the New Testament. And they use it exclusively to people who are being persecuted. iii. Because the writer of Hebrews and Paul are what we might call experts in the law of Moses – or Old Testament Scholars, we understood that Paul was probably referencing the name of God Yahweh Shalom. iv. We then recognized the theological significance of the word Shalom. It not only means a cessation of hostilities between two warring parties, but it also means completeness, wholeness, or bringing what was disordered back into order. v. With the ending of 1 Thessalonians it made sense to see Paul's use of this title to refer to the ongoing work of sanctification in the church, that they would be made whole and complete for the Lord Jesus' return. vi. But in 2 Thessalonians, we might see the word peace used in another way. vii. Certainly, Paul is hoping and praying for the Thessalonians to gain peace from those who are persecuting them. viii. But, two other ides from this letter seem to be at the forefront in their need for peace. ix. First, the anxiety caused by the false teaching that the Day of the Lord had come. Paul hopes that Christ will use this letter to assuage that anxiety and lead them to peace and comfort in the truth. x. And after his most recent discussion Paul may want peace to bring them back into order. xi. We have already noted that the disorderly among them are still causing problems because they are not working and mooching off the church while using their free time to be busy bodies. xii. To the disorderly Paul has commanded them to get a job and mind their business and stop mooching off the church. xiii. Paul has called the church as a whole to avoid them and if they persist in this disorderly conduct to mark them out for disassociation with the hope that they would repent and return to fellowship soon. xiv. Now Paul is seeking the Lord of Peace… the Lord of bringing order from chaos… to b. [Slide 6] continually give you peace in every circumstance. i. Ultimately it is the Lord Jesus Christ that has the power to bind us together and bring order to His church. ii. When disorderly or unruly brothers and sisters arise in the church, we have been told to do certain things, we have been given instructions on what to do and how…. But ultimately, it is the Lord Jesus who brings order from chaos. iii. When false teaching arises and tempts us to waffle on core doctrines of our faith and practice, Jesus' presence and teaching brings us back into order. iv. It is always Jesus who brings us back into order. He makes us whole. c. [Slide 7] The Lord be with you all! i. Paul's last comment here is directed at what could be a fractured community. ii. He is not requesting that Jesus be with the orderly, as if all of them are against the disorderly. iii. Nor is he requesting that Jesus be with the disorderly as if in a punitive or corrective way. iv. He is requesting that Jesus be with… all of them. v. The ordered and the disordered alike. vi. Christ will bring them peace. From without and from within. He is our hope. d. [Slide 8] Summary of the Point: Paul has three final thoughts in this benediction to close out what is the last canonical letter to the Thessalonian church. The first of these is a prayer that the Lord of peace would continually give them peace. The truth behind this, of course, is that the Lord Jesus is the Lord of peace. A title given to him by the prophet Isaiah, is that He will be the Prince of Peace. He will bring all chaos into order. He will bring all brokenness into wholeness. He will make all things new. He is doing that right now for His church. And one day, He will do that for the whole world. By application then, the apostle Paul is pointing the Thessalonians to this Lord of peace. We too must trust Him completely to bind us up and make us whole. He will bring us into order. He will set us right. We must seek Him to do that and all else we need. Transition: [Slide 9 (blank)] Paul's first thought was a hope that the Thessalonians would be given order and peace from their persecution, their anxiety, and their disorder. What is Paul's second thought he wishes to leave with the Thessalonians. II.) The Lord has given His instruction to us through His apostles, so we must seek the Lord for all we need. (17) a. [Slide 10] 17 - The greeting is in my own hand— i. The second point Paul raises in his final thoughts to the Thessalonians is one that is somewhat difficult to ascertain at first. ii. We know that Paul used amanuensis (uh-man-yoo-EN-suhs), which was the use of a writer to take down and relay his thoughts in a letter. Probably Silas wrote for Paul in this case, and perhaps he and Timothy also contributed or helped to edit the letter. All of this is by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to convey the exact words of God to the Thessalonians and later to us. iii. Scholars also speculate that this was done primarily because Paul's eyesight has been problematic. Both from his interaction with Christ and the scales forming over them, and then later with a possible bout of Malaria he contracted on his first missionary trip in Cyprus. iv. In any case, Paul takes the pen from whoever is writing on his behalf and chooses to write the words that follow. v. What we have to speculate on, is exactly why Paul calls this out in this letter. He did not do this in his previous letter to them, and he only does this in 5 of his 13 letters in the New Testament. vi. So, what is the significance of his calling out his greeting written in his own hand? vii. Let's keep reading and see if there are more clues. b. [Slide 11] Paul, which is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. i. Here we find out that Paul puts his handwriting in every single letter he has written, whether he calls attention to it or not. Meaning it also appeared in 1 Thessalonians. ii. What is the purpose of him writing a greeting in each letter? iii. He says it is a “distinguishing mark” which is the word sign. As in “signs and wonders.” iv. Now, having studied the book of Acts, we know that sign gifts like tongues, miracles, healings, and prophesy, were used at the foundation of the church to authenticate that those who spoke the gospel were sent by God or to authenticate that people had actually received the gospel. v. In that same vein, we see that Paul's mark, or his handwritten message serves as an authentication that he himself is sending this letter. vi. He identifies himself by his handwriting. vii. Because it is truly from Paul, it bears the authority of an apostle of Jesus Christ, which carries the weight of Christ Himself. viii. So, why is Paul pointing to this letter being authentic and authoritative? ix. Well, way back in chapter 2, remember that Paul was dealing with the Thessalonians receiving teaching, preaching, prophesy, or even letters that were confusing the Thessalonians and convincing them that the Day of the Lord had already come. x. He even mentions that the letter supposedly came from him and his companions. xi. In this letter, Paul has directly contradicted that false teaching about the Day of the Lord. xii. Therefore, he calls out his personal greeting to remind the Thessalonians that unless a letter bears HIS handwriting in some location in the letter – it is NOT FROM HIM. xiii. They are to compare any letter supposedly from him, with this one to verify its authenticity and authority. c. [Slide 12] Summary of the Point: Paul's second thought he wishes to convey to the Thessalonians is the rubric for determining whether something is authentic and authoritative. Of course, we know that the teachings of Paul are not Paul's own invention but are rather handed down from Christ, verified by the rest of the apostles, and then passed on to the churches Paul founded in his missionary journeys. Therefore, this teaching that is being authenticated is teaching that is from Christ Himself. And it is important for the Thessalonians to be clear on that point. In this, they are to trust and obey anything that does come from Christ through His apostles and dismiss or at least treat less authoritatively anything that does not bear those signs or marks. For us then, we must trust what the Lord has said and obey it without question. Again, we are to seek the Lord for all we need including what is true. [Slide 13 (blank)] Transition: Paul now has only one thought left he wants to leave with the Thessalonian's. What could be the last thought Paul wants to leave with them? What else could it be… but the grace of God. III.) The Lord gives grace to His church, so we must seek the Lord for all we need. (18) a. [Slide 14] 18 - The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ i. Paul's final hope or wish for them is that they receive and live in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. ii. What is grace… C'mon CBC... You should know this by now. iii. [Slide 15] God's Grace is God's power which He grants to people according to His free will, to enable them to be, receive, or do something that they are unable and unwilling to be, get, or do on their own. iv. Grace from God, is what is truly needed by all believers as they endeavor to obey God's commands. v. And Paul has called the Thessalonian church to do some difficult things in obedience to Christ's commands and the Christian tradition. vi. If they are going to obey, they must have the grace of God. There will be no hope without it. vii. Paul has also called them to trust in God's future provision and protection of them from those who are persecuting them, knowing that one day Jesus will judge the living and the dead. viii. If they are going to keep believing that, they will need God's grace. ix. But again – who is the grace for? Is it for just the orderly to do what he has commanded them to do? b. [Slide 16] be with you all. i. Paul asks for Christ's grace to be given to all of them. ii. Even though he has had some harsh words for the disorderly, he believes that with Christ's grace, they can turn from their sin and get back in line and conform to the Christian tradition again. iii. No matter what God calls us to be or do, we too need His grace to see us to and through it. c. [Slide 17] Summary of the Point: Paul's final thought again revolves around the Christian's absolute need of Christ. He hopes that the Lord Jesus will give grace to them all to enable them to be and do all that Christ commands them to be and do. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I can think of no greater hope, wish, prayer that could be offered for a Christian brother or sister than to wish them the grace of God. Don't wish them a great day. Don't wish them to have fun. Don't wish for them to be blessed. Grace to you. It is the best hope and wish you could give to a believer. Because Christ is always what they need. And grace is Christ's power to effectively help them. The Thessalonians are once again told to look to Christ. Christ for Peace. Christ for truth. Christ for grace. Christ for everything. Because Christ said, without me you are nothing. So, we must seek the Lord Jesus for grace to help us be His followers. Conclusion: So CBC, what have we learned today that refines our beliefs and guides our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 18] Paul's primary point of this closing benediction is to turn the attention of the Thessalonians onto Christ Jesus their Lord. He is their source for peace. Peace with unbelievers, peace from doctrinal dismay, and peace among each other. He is their source for truth, to hold fast to and believe. He is their source for grace to provide God's Power to do all that He has commanded of them. The Lord Jesus Christ is their source for everything. And so, the implied application to them is… look to and seek Jesus for all they need. Do they need peace? He is peace. Do they need truth? He is truth. Do they need grace? He gives grace! We too must understand that this is what it means to be a believer. This is what it means to be a Christian. This is what it means to follow Jesus. It is to see Jesus Christ as our source for all we need. Not money. Not fame. Not family. Not power. Christ. And Christ alone. So how does this impact us today? What applications endure into the 21st century here? 1.) [Slide 19] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that Jesus is the Lord of peace. a. Every single human being on the planet is looking for peace. b. By peace I do not mean world peace necessarily. I don't mean the cessation of war, necessarily. c. I mean order. I mean unity. I mean wholeness. I mean completeness. d. All human beings want this kind of peace. e. This is the reason that those who preach tolerance cannot tolerate someone who is intolerant. f. This is the reason that mob mentality and echo chambers exist. g. This is the reason that political parties have been polarized into two broad factions, but both parties can't seem to keep infighting from happening. h. Everyone wants wholeness on their terms. Everyone wants their own definition of order. i. And conservative or liberal, homosexual or heterosexual, pro-life or pro-choice, everyone wants the other people to change and be conformed into their image. j. Jesus, as the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace… will make everything new. What does that mean? k. He will fundamentally conform all things to His will. Some by loving guidance, some by forceful rescue, but most by insurmountable power and glory. l. Jesus came as a meek human to die to save His people from their sin. The next time He comes, He will save the world from sinners. m. He will not come in meekness. He will come in power. And He will have peace. n. Blessed are those who seek the peace He offers now. For they will inherit the Kingdom He brings. o. Cursed are those who fight for their own version of order, for they will be part of the chaos He puts down to consummate His Kingdom. p. Jesus is the only path to peace. Continually growing peace in our lives today and perfect and complete peace in the Kingdom that is to come. q. Peace today won't mean the lack of violence, hatred, and hostility. But it does mean completeness, wholeness, and order. The peace of Jesus conforms us to His life, His commands, His ways. In this we are brought into HIS order. We are expected to conform to Him. And as each of us are brought into conformity to HIM – We have peace with one another. r. But peace in His Kingdom will be perfect and it will be complete. We will never have a reason to shed tears again. We will know no sorrow. We will know no war. We will know no failure. s. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. And in Him alone we will find growing peace for today and perfect peace forever. 2.) [Slide 20] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that Jesus is the source of truth. a. Have you noticed that those who desire conformity and peace to their own standard MUST, by necessity, alter or deny the clear teaching of the word of God? b. Why do you suppose that is? c. Why is there a bible called The Queen James Bible where all “confusing” passages that seem to indicate that God does not approve of the LGBTQIA+ lifestyles have been removed? d. Why did Thomas Jefferson remove portions of the bible he didn't agree with? e. Why do churches bend over backward to explain how when Paul says that no woman should preach and exercise authority over men in the church… that that means women should preach and exercise authority over men in the church? f. Because they have no desire to conform themselves to Christ. So, they must conform Christ to them. g. The Reformation sought to reform the Roman Catholic church in five separate ways. The Reformers argued that if these five things changed in the Roman Catholic Church, they would make progress to go BACK to what the apostles taught, which is what Christ taught. h. And, arguably, the pinnacle of these 5 reforms was the Latin words “Sola Scriptura” i. Officially the Roman Catholic church teaches that the wisdom of church theologians down through the ages, and the traditions and conclusions of church councils, should be held in equal authority to what the Scriptures Teach. j. The Reformers argued, correctly, that the Scriptures alone should have the FINAL authority on faith and practice of every single person in the church. k. In essence, this is EXACTLY what Paul is teaching in this text. The Thessalonians had heard from prophets, letters, and preachers that the Day of the Lord had come. Paul, an actual apostle of Jesus Christ, bearing the teaching directly from Christ, says NO! That is not the truth. It is contradictory to what is the truth. l. Paul does not tell them to hold in equal balance what the others taught and what he taught. Paul does not tell them to find the truth in the middle somewhere. Paul doesn't say that both must be true some how. Instead, Paul says, they are wrong and Jesus is right. m. This doesn't mean that church tradition and church scholars, theologians, creeds, and councils should be eliminated. Far from it. Church tradition, scholars, creeds, councils should be consulted as a secondary source to help put up guardrails on our own personal interpretations of the scriptures. n. BUT… where the Scriptures, which is the Word of God, which is another name for Jesus Himself, where the Scriptures disagree with any human… Pope, priest, scholar, church doctor, saint, or otherwise… We are to trust the scriptures and deny the human's wisdom. For if it disagrees with or contradicts the clear teaching of the scriptures… it is not wisdom at all. It is foolishness. o. This is what the Reformers taught. And it is what Paul is teaching here. p. Jesus is our source for truth. The inspired Word of God in 66 books, is our guide for what we must believe and how we must live. q. We are told to approach the scriptures like they are a mirror. How foolish to approach a mirror and see something off or out of place in the reflection and conclude that the mirror must be broken? How foolish to think that perhaps if we viewed the mirror from a different angle, it would make our reflection better? r. But people who disagree with the clear teachings of the scriptures in order to support their own beliefs or lifestyles are approaching the mirror and concluding that the mirror is faulty. s. Or they stand in front of a mirror in such a way that all the things wrong with them don't appear, and they conclude that they are fine. And they leave the mirror the exact same as they always had been. t. My friends, if you cannot remember the last time the Word of God challenged you to change what you believe or how you live… something is wrong! 3.) [Slide 21] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that Jesus gives us grace. a. The definition of grace today in the church has become so watered down and so empty that it means little more than kindness. b. Preachers, even in evangelical protestant circles, preach a grace that is spread so thin that it has no power to do anything unless men add something to it. Without men helping it… it lies dormant, powerless, and ineffective. c. But Paul doesn't tell the Thessalonians to make sure to receive and act on Jesus' grace. He simply asks for Jesus' grace to be given to them all. d. Grace… God's grace… is POWERFUL. It is ALWAYS effective. e. It is not grace to give potential to help us. It is grace TO HELP US. f. When God gives us grace… IT WILL DO what it is given to do. g. [Slide 22] That is why I have tried, so very hard, to get you all to memorize this definition of God's grace. Because I think it accurately and effectively teaches a biblical definition of God's grace. A grace with teeth. A grace with power. A grace that is what the biblical authors claim it is. h. God's Grace is God's power which He grants to people according to His free will, to enable them to be, receive, or do something that they are unable and unwilling to be, get, or do on their own. i. And when we have this definition of grace, we recognize that the greatest thing we could pray for a fellow believer and even for unbelievers, is that God would shed His grace on them. j. Unbelievers need His power to see their own sin and to enable them to believe on Christ. k. Believers need His power to be and do all that He has commanded them. l. Humans in general exist by the grace of God. m. I challenge you all to BEEF UP your view of the grace of God. Make it as powerful as Paul makes it here. That the hope and strength for the Thessalonians doing and being all that he has told them to be and do… is the grace of Jesus Christ. n. When we combine the last three truths we must affirm together… 4.) [Slide 23] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” This is the gospel. The gospel is seeing Jesus as our source for everything. If Jesus is anything less to you – you are missing the gospel. a. His words and lifestyle teach us truth. b. His sacrifice and power bring us peace. c. His advocacy and Authority give us grace. d. With the summation of all three of these truths, we conclude that Jesus is everything. e. And my friends… this is the gospel. The gospel is that Jesus is everything. Not just our hope for forgiveness. Not just our substitute. Not just our atoning sacrifice. f. But Jesus is… EVERYTHING. g. To the extent that our whole lives are reoriented around who He is and what He has commanded of us. h. If you are here today, and you either claim to be a Christian, or you desire to be a Christian… this is what it means to be a Christian. It is to have all your life ruled by Jesus Christ. i. He is your hope for peace. j. He is your source for truth. k. He is your supplier of grace. l. He is… your… everything. m. That is what it means to follow Christ. n. If you claim to be a Christian… but Christ isn't your everything and never has been. I don't know what gospel you believed… but I do know that it was false. o. If you have never claimed to be a Christian but want to follow Jesus… You need to speak with someone… right now… that you know is a Christian. They will show you what followers of Christ look like. p. Don't wait for me to get done preaching. Go now… our Elders are prepared to talk to you. q. If you remain, I'll assume that you claim to be someone who is following Christ as best you can. So, what does that mean as we look at this text? 5.) [Slide 24] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must continue to seek the Lord for all we need. a. There are a lot of sources that we can be tempted to look to provide peace, truth, and even power. b. What do we need to feel whole? Complete? Ordered? i. For many people we look for earthly things to make us feel complete. 1. We look for possessions or things. Things and possessions are not bad in and of themselves. But when we seek them to feel whole… they will not satisfy. 2. We look for family. Family can certainly fill up our lives and make us feel part of something bigger. But family fails. Life is fleeting. And sometimes people don't do what you want them to. 3. We look for a tribe or group of likeminded people. This creates a sense of belonging. All of us are the same. We see the world in the same way. But ultimately you will find something to disagree on… or that unity will not produce the wholeness that you desire. ii. In the end, the only thing that can bring us wholeness, completeness, or order… is the God who created us. He knows exactly what we need and how to put us back together. He watched us break apart and He knows the pieces we are missing. Pieces… we assumed were there… He supplies. iii. Without Christ, you will know no peace. c. What do we need to rest in truth? i. For many people they look to earthly things for truth. 1. Rationalism and reason, materialism, and postmodernism point to contradictory paths to truth. Who is right? Everyone, or no one? We just don't know. 2. Human wisdom, settled science, has long been shown to be anything but wisdom and anything but science. 3. History books are always written by the people who win. Are we sure their telling the whole story? 4. Hospitals and medical schools tell us what is best for us… but they also get paid well to tell us one answer and paid nothing to tell us other answers. 5. What is truth? Does truth even matter? ii. Christ is the truth. He alone provides a foundation, a bulwark of something solid and unshakable. iii. For a true Christ follower, we shouldn't start our sentences with “I think” or “I feel like” we must start our sentences with… “turn with me to…” d. What do we need to get more power? i. Again… people often turn to earthly things. 1. Money is power. 2. Fame is power. 3. Influence is power. 4. Secret knowledge is power. 5. And we can't deny that to a certain degree, all of these gain power for people in this life. ii. But true power, comes from God who gives grace to His people freely. The power to live the way our creator desires us to live, comes from the creator Himself. All other powers are failing and fleeting and will be destroyed when He comes again. e. So, Christians… all we need is found in Jesus Christ. Don't be distracted by lesser sources. He is all we have and He is all we need. 6.) [Slide 25] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” Jesus will never fail. a. The story has been written. b. The end has already been told. c. Jesus is… right now… reigning over the world. d. He has conquered sin and death. And one day soon He will conquer all sinners, angelic and human alike. e. My friends, Jesus wins. Always. f. Take comfort in this as believers… g. But if you are still in the room and not a believer… this shouldn't comfort you at all – but it is a warning. h. Jesus wins. i. Blessed are those who repent and serve Him now. [Slide 26 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the early church father Methodious of Olympia I long for you, Lord of mercy and Lord of my fathers. You have stooped down in grace as a mediator, bringing peace and harmony between heaven and earth. I seek you, great author of all. With longing I expect you who embrace all with your Word. I wait for you, Lord of life and death. I look for you, giver and successor of the law. I hunger for you, the one who makes the dead come back to life. I thirst for you, who refreshes the weary. I desire you, creator and redeemer of the world. You are our God, and we adore you. You are our holy temple, and we pray in you. You are our lawgiver, and we obey you. You are God of all things, the first. God the Father has begotten no other god, and there is no other son who is of one substance and one glory with the Father. To know you is perfect righteousness, and to know your power is the root of immortality. For our salvation, you were made the headstone of the corner, precious and honorable. All things are placed under you as their cause and author, as he who brought all things into being out of nothing. You steer the universe with your wise and steady hand. You are the principle of order and the bond of unity and peace. In you we live, and move, and have our being. So, I will glorify you, my Lord and God. I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things. From ancient days your wise counsel is faithfulness and truth. You are clothed with majesty and honor. What is more magnificent than for you, the King, to assume our humanity, illuminating those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death? Your servant, King David, rightly once sang of you as the King Eternal, saying "you are the most excellent of men" (Psalm 45:2). Coming to the earth, you took on righteousness and faithfulness. Yes, you are righteousness and truth, the joy and praise of all. So, we rejoice this day, along with the heavens, for you have shown mercy to your people. Let the clouds drop the dew of righteousness upon the world, and let the earth sound a trumpet blast, for the resurrection is come. I am filled with comfort, and I am overflowing with joy, O Savior of the world! We pray this in Your name. Amen. Benediction: May the Lord prosper your work and defend you, May his goodness and mercy attend you, May you ponder anew what the Almighty will do, That you may rejoice with all your heart and never again fear any harm. Until we meet again, as Paul prayed for the Thessalonians, Grace and Peace to you.

Grace Covenant Baptist Church is a Reformed Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana. We are a confessional church subscribing to the Second London Baptist Confession of 1689. We adhere to the Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation; Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Soli Deo Gloria. Find more information about or listen to past sermons from Grace Covenant Baptist Church at https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/gcbcwm/

In this week's episode, Phil EuBank sits down with Pastor Matt Summers to dive into Sunday's message, The System of Merit. Framing Roman Catholicism as our theological parent in the Christian family tree, they explore how a system built on human merit, sacraments, and tradition can subtly turn faith into a tollbooth or a self-funded spiritual insurance policy. Together, Phil and Matt discuss the core contrasts of the Protestant Reformation, specifically Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) and salvation by grace alone through faith alone. Drawing from Phil's childhood friendship with a local priest named Father Michael, they highlight the vital need to hold deep conviction without losing the humble, loving posture of Jesus. They also turn the mirror on Protestant culture, exposing the invisible performance tolls we often pay when we try to earn God's love or blame ourselves during life's hardships. Listen to the Menlo Midweek Podcast Tune into new episodes released every Wednesday as we break down Sunday's sermon, share behind-the-scenes insights, and discuss practical ways to live out our faith. Listen now at menlo.church/podcasts.

Eastern Orthodoxy appeals to many evangelicals because of its claims to ancient Christianity, historic continuity, liturgical beauty, and authoritative tradition. Yet its claims raise a fundamental question: When Scripture and tradition conflict, which one has the final word? Dave Jenkins is joined by Samuel Farag, author of Eastern Orthodoxy Through the Lens of Sola Scriptura, to examine the beliefs and theological structure of Eastern Orthodoxy according to the Word of God. They discuss the Orthodox understanding of Holy Tradition, the authority claimed for the church and ecumenical councils, icon veneration, teachings concerning Mary, monasticism, salvation, and the sufficiency of Scripture. They also explain why Christians should study church history while keeping every tradition, confession, and council subordinate to the final authority of God's Word. The episode concludes with practical encouragement for Christians speaking with friends and family members who are exploring Eastern Orthodoxy. Believers must define theological terms carefully, understand what the Orthodox Church officially teaches, remain prayerful, and proclaim the biblical gospel with clarity and compassion. For more from Contending for the Word please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

Massimo Mollica • Selected Scriptures • Sermon Notes (Slides)

Massimo Mollica • Selected Scriptures • Sermon Notes (Slides) • Sundays in July

In this episode of The Cordial Catholic, I'm joined by my friend theologian, Bible scholar, and former Protestant pastor Dr. John Bergsma to dig into one of the most nefarious misconceptions about the Catholic Church versus Protestantism and, cordially, share some of his shocking conclusions. Is Protestantism really more "Biblical" than Catholicism? Dr. Bergsma says, no. On topics of how the Church is organized, what worship looks like, what Jesus taught, how authority is passed on, and how decisions and interpretations of Scripture are made Dr. Bergsma shows, over and over again, that the Catholic Church is more closely aligned to Scripture than Protestantism at its very core.This is a truly fantastic episode!For more from Dr. Bergsma visit his website. Check out this book Stunned by Scripture from Our Sunday Visitor Press and his podcast of the same name.To purchase any of John's fine books visit the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.Send your feedback to cordialcatholic@gmail.com.Sign up for our newsletter for my reflections on  episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive contests.To watch this and other episodes please visit (and subscribe to!) our YouTube channel.Please consider financially supporting this show!For more information visit the Patreon page.  All patrons receive access to exclusive content and if you can give $5/mo or more you'll also be entered into monthly draws for fantastic books hand-picked by me.If you'd like to give a one-time donation to The Cordial Catholic, you can visit the PayPal page.Thank you to those already supporting the show!Theme Music: "Splendor (Intro)" by Former Ruins. Learn more at formerruins.com or listen on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.A very special thanks to our Patreon co-producers who make this show possible: Amanda, Elli and Tom, Fr. Larry, Gina, Heather, James, Jorg, Michelle, Noah, Robert, Shelby, Susanne and Victor, and William.Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out our faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFind and follow The Cordial Catholic on social media:Instagram: @cordialcatholicTwitter: @cordialcatholicYouTube: /thecordialcatholicFacebook: The Cordial CatholicTikTok: @cordialcatholic

Join the show with a TEXT here!My local church has given me the privilege of teaching Sunday school in light of our most recent sermon series through the book of Jude. Jude's epistle exposes the patterns and tactics of false teachers, urging believers to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints.In that same spirit, our church aims to guard the flock and equip them with biblical clarity about groups that claim Christian identity while departing from the gospel. This Sunday school series walks through several movements and teachings that align themselves with Christianity but diverge from historic, apostolic truth.Today, we'll be examining Eastern Orthodoxy, its claims, its distinctives, and how Scripture calls us to evaluate every doctrine. Hope you enjoy.

Picture a World Cup final with no referee — both teams disqualifying each other's players, every goal disputed, chaos taking over. Someone has to make the final call. But who decides the meaning of Scripture? It's a question that cuts to the heart of one of Protestantism's oldest principles: sola scriptura. And the objections are sharper than you might expect. If Scripture never actually says "Scripture alone," doesn't the whole idea collapse on itself? And didn't the church decide which books made the Bible — meaning the church came first? This article takes those challenges seriously. Listen in for some surprising answers.

The Five Solas

What is sola scriptura? Do the Scriptures even teach sola scriptura? What is the standard for Christian faith and practice?

Jon Harris delivers a packed news roundup and cultural commentary episode. Starts with an inspiring white pill on young patriots watching Young Washington, covers Senator Lindsey Graham's passing, Patriot Front's July 4th march, Trump's Mount Rushmore speech, Iran tensions, the Pope's encyclical, Eastern Orthodoxy trends, and competing American narratives.Full of biblical insight, political realism, and encouragement to build families and institutions. Ends with Jon's original song “Promised Land.”Jon's Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/00:00 Intro - Young Patriots & TPUSA Screening of Young Washington03:30 White Pill: Encouragement for Young People & America's Heritage07:40 News Roundup Begins + July 4th Break Reflections12:20 Senator Lindsey Graham's Death, Legacy & Conspiracy Talk22:45 Patriot Front July 4th March - Full Analysis & Optics35:50 Narratives Theme: Trump at Mount Rushmore vs Proposition Nation45:10 Celebrity Reactions & Patriot Front Discussion Continues55:30 Iran, Strait of Hormuz & Trump Administration Foreign Policy1:05:40 Pope's Encyclical & Christian/Religious News1:15:20 Eastern Orthodoxy Conversions, Sola Scriptura & Church Trends1:28:40 Q&A: Guardian Angels, Online Christians, Who is This Country For?1:40:20 Homeschool, American History & Building Institutions1:50:50 Final Encouragement: Marriage, Family & Having Kids2:02:30 Closing Song - "Promised Land" from Heritage AlbumSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Authority Crisis Inside Christianity: If the Bible Is the Answer... Who Interprets It?Who decides?“Jesus is Lord + baptized in the Spirit = you're set.” Sounds simple… but who gets to define those words? We dig into authority, sola scriptura, and why interpretation without a Church fractures faith. Listen and tell us: who's your authority?Authority shapes everything, from how we read the Bible to how we treat the people sitting next to us in church. We start with a blunt comment that tries to shrink Christianity into a simple checklist and then ask the question most people skip: by what authority can anyone define the faith that way, and who gets to decide what those words mean?• Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery land dispute and why it matters to Christians• SSPX excommunication story and what it reveals about papal authority• Parish Life Conference takeaways and how shared worship strengthens unity• Responding to a comment that reduces salvation to a simple formula• Sola scriptura in practice and how interpretation often becomes self-authority• What “baptized in the Holy Spirit” means across denominations and why definitions diverge• Why the New Testament calls for lived obedience, not just verbal profession• Protestants bringing Protestant assumptions into Orthodoxy and why we must leave them at the door• Orthodoxy as lived faith versus Christianity as an academic subject• Book of the week: A Tale Of Two Cities and how cruel authority breeds violence• Authority as service, responsibility, and burden rather than privilege• The cloud of witnesses, inherited wisdom, and the problem of American individualism• Listener stories from Hebrew Roots, synagogue searching, tongues, and finding rooted worshipFrom there we get practical about the authority problem inside modern Christianity. If “the Bible alone” is the final authority, who is the final interpreter? We talk about how sola scriptura often slides into self-authority, why Protestantism can't easily speak with one voice about baptism, salvation, or essentials, and how rhetoric can masquerade as certainty. Against that backdrop, we explain the Eastern Orthodox view of authority as inherited life: Scripture read in the Church, sacred tradition, the teaching of the apostles and fathers, the ecumenical councils, and the sacramental reality that trains us to forgive, repent, pray, and endure.Authority isn't privilege, it's burden. From Mount Sinai's ancient monastery to Dickens' A Tale Of Two Cities, we trace what happens when leaders serve vs dominate.We also zoom out to real examples. We cover updates on St. Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai and why protecting ancient Christian institutions matters. We touch on Roman Catholic controversy around the SSPX as another case study in competing claims of authority. Then we bring it home with a powerful reflection on A Tale Of Two Cities, where cruel authority produces violence, while true authority looks like sacrifice, service, and responsibility. Along the way, listener comments add hope-filled stories of people moving from Hebrew Roots and Pentecostal backgrounds toward Orthodoxy because they're hungry for historical rootedness and worship that feels alive.What if “tradition” isn't worshiping ashes, but preserving fire? We talk Orthodox authority, humility, the cloud of witnesses, and why individualism isolates believers from 2,000 years of wisdom.If this conversation helped you rethink authority, share it with a friend who's asking similar questions, subscribe for more, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Please leave a comment with your thoughts!

This week on JT's Mix Tape #88, the crew responds to the growing controversy surrounding the Book of Enoch after comments made by Wes Huff about a viral clip discussing Enoch, the Ethiopian canon, and the early Church Fathers.We dive into: • Why Jude quotes Enoch • What Tertullian actually wrote • The Ethiopian canon • Sola Scriptura • Fair use and content creation • Ancient giants • Dead Sea Scrolls • Modern art and the CIA • Hidden steamboats beneath Kansas • The strange Nuremberg sky battle • Conspiracy culture vs legitimate research • Why humility matters when studying history Whether you agree or disagree, our goal is to encourage thoughtful discussion while pointing people back toward Christ.

Join the show with a TEXT here!In today's episode, we continue our deep‑dive review of last week's debate. Pressing further into the kinds of arguments Eastern Orthodox apologists often rely on when biblical support is thin or absent. You'll get a clear, structured look at why these arguments feel so foreign to many Christians, how they can unsettle people who've never encountered them, and what's actually driving the logic beneath Eastern Orthodox argumentation. Most importantly, we'll walk through how Scripture equips us to respond faithfully, confidently, and charitably, because God's Word is living and active and never returns void.Before jumping into the debate review, we'll take a moment to address the increasingly unhealthy state of Eastern Orthodox interactions online. We'll talk honestly about how certain communication patterns, dismissiveness, hostility, and rhetorical posturing, shut down real conversation and breed resentment toward the Church. If you've ever engaged with EO communities online, you've likely seen this firsthand, and it's something that must be called out for the sake of Christ's witness.If you're ready for another round of careful study, debate analysis, and Scripture‑centered clarity, grab your Bible and strap in. This episode is all about truth, discernment, and engaging difficult conversations with confidence rooted in God's Word.

July 2, 2026SAMUEL FARAG,a convert out from Oriental (Coptic)Orthodoxy into the Reformed BaptistFaith, who now pastors Bethel BaptistChurch of Gorham, NY, who will address: “The ANCIENT COSTUME PARTY ofORTHODOXY: EXAMINING the CLAIMSof the ORTHODOX that THEY ARE theANCIENT CHURCH (& the DANGERS ofEQUATING ANTIQUITY with TRUTH)” & announcing that Samuel Farag's newbook, “Eastern Orthodoxy Through theLens of Sola Scriptura” is now in print!!! Subscribe: iTunes TuneIn Android RSS Feed Listen:

Sola Scriptura & Soli Deo Gloria

Sola Scriptura & Soli Deo Gloria

A message from the 2026 John Bunyan Conference by Dr. John Meade, entitled, "The Reformation: Sola Scriptura."

A message from the 2026 John Bunyan Conference by Dr. John Meade, entitled, "The Reformation: Sola Scriptura."

Join the show with a TEXT here!When your priest can't answer the most basic question—“What is the Gospel?”—it's time to run. Today we take a closer look at yet another Eastern Orthodox voice, but this time it's not a layperson… it's a priest who still cannot give a clear, biblical answer. And wait until you hear what he actually says.We'll unpack why this question is consistently dodged, what's really going on beneath the surface, and what the true Gospel actually is according to Scripture—not tradition, not speculation, not philosophical fog.On top of that, we'll walk through a recently posted debate on what the true church is. I'll break down the main arguments presented by the Eastern Orthodox participant and evaluate whether they hold up—or whether they're just polished evasions dressed up as theology. Expect to see abuses of Scripture, equivocation, category errors, and plenty of posturing against what the Bible plainly teaches.If that sounds like your kind of deep dive, grab your Bible and a snack. Let's get into it.

How many times have you heard a Protestant Christian debate an Oriental Orthodox? Welcome to Think Debates. ===================================================Download your free apologetics guide here: https://thethink.institute/store/p/transcendental-argument-for-god-tag-cheat-sheet-downloadable-pdf Men: Want to become the worldview leader your family and church need? Join the Hammer & Anvil Society. We provide in-depth education and community for Christian men: https://thethink.institute/society===========================================================Think Debates is a ministry of the Think Institute, NFP. We rely on the generous support of our Ministry Partners to pursue our mission. Your financial contributions help equip Christian fathers and their families with the education, resources and community needed to stand firm on God's word in today's challenging climate. Thank you for your help in preparing thousands of regular believers to explain, share and defend the Christian message all over the world.The Think Institute, NFP is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 88-3225438). Donations to The Think Institute are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.Donate now: https://thethink.institute/partner

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Join the show with a TEXT here!You've heard it before: “That's just your interpretation.” But is that a meaningful reply, or simply a way to dodge what Scripture actually says? This common objection exposes a deep divide between how Bible‑believing Christians approach the text and how other groups often impose meaning onto the text rather than drawing meaning from it.In today's episode, we tackle this objection head‑on. We'll walk through how to handle it faithfully, how to approach controversial passages with accuracy and humility, and why this matters for the health of the church. We'll also examine the kinds of “converts” these groups tend to produce, and why so many of them struggle to engage with the gospel or the broader witness of Scripture.This is a delicate but crucial topic. Many are being pulled into these groups by confident claims and persuasive rhetoric, and our aim is to “save others by snatching them out of the fire” (Jude 23) by exposing the deficiencies clearly and biblically.So grab your Bible, settle in, and let's dive deep into truth together.

Sola Scriptura: A Theological Debate The Bible never says Scripture is the sole authority of the Christian faith, and the Latin proves it. In this episode, we examine three texts from St. Paul and St. Peter and let the grammar do the work. No philosophical argument. No circular reasoning. Just the words themselves, in the language the Church has always read them. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ TIMESTAMPS ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 0:00 - Introduction: The question underneath every Protestant-Catholic divide 0:30 - Why this approach is different: grammar, not argument 1:00 - 2 Thessalonians 2:15, Tenete traditiones: spoken word and letter as equals 2:00 - 1 Timothy 3:15, Columna et firmamentum: the Church as pillar of truth 3:00 - The verse where Paul could have said "Scripture" and didn't 3:30 - Subscribe/support note 3:45 - 2 Peter 1:20, Propria interpretazione: Peter forecloses private reading 4:30 - What the three anchors do together 5:00 - Patreon Deep Dive: the second-century witness 5:20 - Closing prayers: Pater Noster, Ave Maria, Gloria Patri   The Patreon-Only Deep Dive goes further, a second-century witness trained by a man who knew St. John names the exact principle that makes sola scriptura impossible, and calls it the rule of truth. He says the apostles handed it down before they wrote a single letter. Find it on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/thelatinprayerpodcast   A huge thank you to my Patrons!   To follow me on other platforms Click on my LinkTree below. linktr.ee/dylandrego Submit Prayer Requests or comments / suggestions: thelatinprayerpodcast@gmail.com Join me and others in praying the Holy Rosary every day; here are the Spotify quick links to the Rosary: Joyful Mysteries https://open.spotify.com/episode/1yhn... Sorrowful Mysteries https://open.spotify.com/episode/3P0n... Glorious Mysteries https://open.spotify.com/episode/3t7l... Luminous Mysteries https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vlA... 15 Decade Rosary https://open.spotify.com/episode/2q33...   Know that if you are listening to this, I am praying for you. Please continue to pray with me and for me and my family. May everything you do be Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam. God Love You! Valete (Goodbye)   This video explores the concept of biblical authority within Christianity, specifically addressing the divide between Protestant and Catholic beliefs. We examine why the Bible does not explicitly state scripture is the sole authority, and how Latin texts provide additional insight. The discussion sheds light on the differences between "sola scriptura" and the Catholic view, offering a deeper understanding of the Christian theology at play. You will also see familiar Latin prayers such as Pater Noster, Ave Maria, and Gloria Patri. This podcast may contain copyrighted material the use of which may not always have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advanced the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church for the promulgation of religious education. We believe this constitutes a "fair use” of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US copyright law, and section 29, 29.1 & 29.2 of the Canadian copyright act. Music Credit: 3MDEHDDQTEJ1NBB0

Catholic apologists often insist, “Jesus Did Not Leave Us a Bible; He Left Us a Church.” Such assertions are intended to cancel sole dependency on the Bible as the standard of acceptable Christian doctrines, practices, and traditions. Such a claim is also intended to increase trust in church traditions and the rulings of church hierarchy, even if they are not found in the Bible. Is this view right? Is it safe? Is it pleasing to God?Comparative religion website: www.thetruelight.net Ministry website: www.shreveministries.org The Catholic Project website: http://www.toCatholicswithlove.org (English & Spanish) Video channel: www.YouTube.com/mikeshreveministries All audio-podcasts are shared in a video format on our YouTube channel. Mike Shreve's other podcast Discover Your Spiritual Identity—a study on the biblical names given to God's people: https://shreveministries.org/wp2/media/podcasts/ Mail: P.O. Box 4260, Cleveland, TN 37320 / Phone: 423-478-2843Purchase Mike Shreve's popular book comparing over 20 religions: In Search of the True LightPurchase Mike Shreve's new book comparing Catholicism to biblical Christianity: The Beliefs of the Catholic Church

ABOUT THE EPISODEJoin David Schrock and Stephen Wellum as they interview Tony Costa on his COA Longform "The Challenge of Eastern Orthodoxy: Comparing Evangelical and Eastern Orthodox Theology"SponsorThis month's sponsor is Grimke Seminary. Pastors are called to care for the church of God that God called them to. So why do seminaries require men to leave their church to pursue theological studies? At Grimké Seminary, you can get Christ-centered, theological training in the Reformed, Protestant tradition, without leaving your local church. They offer a range of pastoral studies for students of all backgrounds to serve your growth in ministry, from a Bachelor's to a Doctor of Ministry.To apply, go to grimkeseminary.org and use the code “christoverall” to have your application fee waived.Timestamps00:31 – Intro04:30 – Dr. Costa's Ministry and Familiarity with Eastern Orthodoxy07:51 – What Did Dr. Costa See That Made Him Know that EO Would Be a Problem Today?09:40 – Has Dr. Wellum Had Any Engagement with EO?12:13 – The Vibe Online16:03 – What is the Protestant Way to Think through Tradition?19:25 – How EO Thinks of Scripture and Tradition26:40 – Who in the Church is the Final Authority?35:00 – Sponsor: Grimke Seminary36:10 – Is the Canon Closed for EO?41:40 – Do EO and Antisemetic Sentiment Correlate to One Another?43:27 – The Counsel of Jerusalem46:15 – What Will the Priest tell Catechumens to Read as They Join the Church?48:38 – The Doctrine of the Filioque51:37 – Why Would EO Still Deny the Filioque Today?55:25 – Understanding Justification in EO1:01:12 – Assurance & Atonement1:05:40 – Original Sin & Theosis1:08:03 – Counsel to Those Considering EO1:12:10 – Final Thoughts1:13:26 – OutroResources to Click“The Challenges of Eastern Orthodoxy: Comparing Evangelical and Eastern Orthodox Theology” – Tony Costa“Masculinity, Eastern Orthodoxy, and the Search for Stability” – Alexander Breytenbach“A Protestant Appraisal of Rock & Sand: Sola Scriptura Properly Understood” – Tyler Cox“Frank Schaeffer, Former Evangelical Leader, is a Self-Declared Atheist Who Believes in God” – Huffington Post“'The Bible Answer Man' Turns East: An Unlikely Conversion” – Erwin Lutzer“Young Men Leaving Traditional Churches for ‘Masculine' Orthodox Christianity in Droves” – Rikki Schlott“Evangelical Pastors and the Challenge of Eastern Orthdoxy” – Scott Hurst and Christian Clement-Schlimm“Reality: Questions regarding the Authenticity of the Sigillion of 1583” – Joshua Schooping“The Sunday of Orthodoxy 2024”“Service of the Small Paraklesis”“Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple” – Orthodox Christianity“Debatable, Unnecessary, or Essential? The Virgin Birth and Mary as the Mother of God” – Michael Pereira“Confession of Dositheus”“What is Salvation?” – Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon“Divine Energies: Eastern Orthodoxy's Strangest and Most Important Doctrine” – Knox BrownTheme of the Month: Go West, Young Men: Evaluating the Drift toward Eastern OrthodoxyGive to Support the WorkBooks to ReadDancing Alone: The Quest for Orthodox Faith in the Age of False Religion – Frank SchaefferThe Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity – Timothy WareThrough Western Eyes: Eastern Orthodoxy, A Reformed Perspective – Robert LethamThree Views on Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism – ed. James J. StamoolisDisillusioned: Why I Left the Eastern Orthodox Priesthood and Church – Joshua SchoopingEastern Orthodoxy: Through the Lens of Sola Scriptura – Samuel S. FaragThe Holy Standards: The Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms of the Eastern Orthodox Church – Joshua SchoopingThe Filioque: History of a Doctrinal Controversy – A. Edward SiecienskiVindicating the Filioque: The Church Fathers at the Council of Florence – Thomas Crean, O.P.The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship – Robert Letham

“How do I explain Mary's sinlessness to my Protestant wife?” This question opens a discussion on the role of Mary in Catholic theology, addressing concerns from recent converts and their families. Other topics include offering comfort after a loved one’s passing, navigating doubts about Sola Scriptura, and understanding the Church’s teachings on end times and marital relations. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:21 – I'm a recent convert. How do I address the sinlessness of Mary to my Protestant wife? 17:41 – My non-Catholic father-in-law died suddenly. What words of comfort can I offer to my Catholic family? 24:33 – If I become convinced of certain Church teachings but still have major questions about things regarding Sola Scriptura, would it be a good thing to move towards Catholicism? 34:05 – Regarding the end time, it appears Irenaeus is premillennial and claims he gets it from St. John, but the Church teaches against it. How binding is this? 42:35 – I'm a recent convert. My wife had a procedure to save her life that required the removal of parts of her reproductive system. Is it a sin to have relations since we cannot be open to life? 47:31 – Where does Mary fit in because she’s always popping up everywhere? Why is she so prominently seen?

Patrick measures the fast erosion of book reading, especially among men, against an explosion of podcasts and instant digital entertainment, all while considering what’s lost when screens replace ink and paper. Candid conversations weave through everything from the fading art of handwriting to whether men are more likely than women to get lost in online lectures. The importance of handwriting notes and love letters (01:01) The explosion of podcasts coinciding with the steep decline of people reading books - https://www.wsj.com/business/media/dad-books-are-a-dying-breed-d9a28b49 (05:01 Mark - Do men listen to lectures more than women? What is your experience? (21:18) Lillian - How can someone marry in the Church without being baptized? (25:24) Mark - Can a man become a priest if he has same-sex attractions but decides to take a vow of chastity? (34:38) Audio: This newly baptized Catholic woman shares the differences between Protestant and Catholic worship after only a few months of becoming Catholic. - https://x.com/Xtopher_Uzo/status/2052036604387082445 (46:49) Audio: An evangelical tried to defend Sola Scriptura, then he followed it to its conclusion - https://x.com/BillArnoldTeach/status/2050249984617123982?s=20 (48:47)

This is a debate clip between Joel Settecase (Reformed Evangelical) and an Orthodox who called in to one of our debate streams. ===================================================Download your free apologetics guide here: https://thethink.institute/store/p/transcendental-argument-for-god-tag-cheat-sheet-downloadable-pdf Men: Want to become the worldview leader your family and church need? Join the Hammer & Anvil Society. We provide in-depth education and community for Christian men: https://thethink.institute/society===========================================================Think Debates is a ministry of the Think Institute, NFP. We rely on the generous support of our Ministry Partners to pursue our mission. Your financial contributions help equip Christian fathers and their families with the education, resources and community needed to stand firm on God's word in today's challenging climate. Thank you for your help in preparing thousands of regular believers to explain, share and defend the Christian message all over the world.The Think Institute, NFP is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 88-3225438). Donations to The Think Institute are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.Donate now: https://thethink.institute/partner

ABOUT THE EPISODEYoung Protestants are reportedly departing for Eastern Orthodoxy in droves. What are the major differences between Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelical Protestant Christianity?SponsorThis month's sponsor is Grimke Seminary. Pastors are called to care for the church of God that God called them to. So why do seminaries require men to leave their church to pursue theological studies? At Grimké Seminary, you can get Christ-centered, theological training in the Reformed, Protestant tradition, without leaving your local church. They offer a range of pastoral studies for students of all backgrounds to serve your growth in ministry, from a Bachelor's to a Doctor of Ministry.To apply, go to grimkeseminary.org and use the code “christoverall” to have your application fee waived.Resources to Click“The Challenges of Eastern Orthodoxy: Comparing Evangelical and Eastern Orthodox Theology” – Tony Costa“Frank Schaeffer, Former Evangelical Leader, is a Self-Declared Atheist Who Believes in God” – Huffington Post“'The Bible Answer Man' Turns East: An Unlikely Conversion” – Erwin Lutzer“Young Men Leaving Traditional Churches for ‘Masculine' Orthodox Christianity in Droves” – Rikki Schlott“Evangelical Pastors and the Challenge of Eastern Orthdoxy” – Scott Hurst and Christian Clement-Schlimm“Reality: Questions regarding the Authenticity of the Sigillion of 1583” – Joshua Schooping“The Sunday of Orthodoxy 2024”“Service of the Small Paraklesis”“Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple” – Orthodox Christianity“Debatable, Unnecessary, or Essential? The Virgin Birth and Mary as the Mother of God” – Michael Pereira“Confession of Dositheus”“What is Salvation?” – Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon“Divine Energies: Eastern Orthodoxy's Strangest and Most Important Doctrine” – Knox BrownTheme of the Month: Go West, Young Men: Evaluating the Drift toward Eastern OrthodoxyGive to Support the WorkBooks to ReadDancing Alone: The Quest for Orthodox Faith in the Age of False Religion – Frank SchaefferThe Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity – Timothy WareThrough Western Eyes: Eastern Orthodoxy, A Reformed Perspective – Robert LethamThree Views on Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism – ed. James J. StamoolisDisillusioned: Why I Left the Eastern Orthodox Priesthood and Church – Joshua SchoopingEastern Orthodoxy: Through the Lens of Sola Scriptura – Samuel S. FaragThe Holy Standards: The Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms of the Eastern Orthodox Church – Joshua SchoopingThe Filioque: History of a Doctrinal Controversy – A. Edward SiecienskiVindicating the Filioque: The Church Fathers at the Council of Florence – Thomas Crean, O.P.The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship – Robert LethamEarly Christian Creed and Hymns, What the Earliest Christians Believed in Word an Song: An Exegetical-Theological Study – Tony CostaThe Biblical Canon: Its Origin, Transmission, and Authority – Lee Martin MacDonaldThe Canon Debate – Lee Martin MacDonald and James A. SandersThe Biblical Canon Lists from Early Christianity: Texts and Analysis – Edmon Gallagher and John D. MeadeThe Old Testament in Eastern Orthodox Tradition – Eugen J. PentiucThe Acts of the Second Council of Nicaea (787) – Richard PriceIcons and Power: the Mother of God in Byzantium – Bissera V. PentchevaThe Orthodox Study Bible – eds. Joseph Allen and Michel NajimProtestant Patriarch: The Life of Cyril Lukaris (1572-1638) Patriarch of Constantinople – G.A. Hadjiantoniou

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Joe reviews Christopher Cloos’ new argument in favor of Sola Scriptura, the Attribute Inscripturation Thesis (AIT). Transcript: Joe: Welcome back to Shameless Popery. I’m Joe Heschmeyer, and many of you know I recently debated Doug Wilson on Sola Scriptura. If you haven’t seen that debate, you can check it out in the description below. But the debate prompted a lot of good conversations from both sides and one person in particular caught my attention because he offers a brand new argument for Solo Scriptura and for the 66th book Protestant Bible. That person is the Protestant...

In this week's bonus show, Matthew and Keith chat about the "debate" between Lisa Sharon and Evan from this week's main show. Plus, your calls into the hotline. If you want to call in to the Bonus Show, leave a voicemail at (530) 332-8020. We'll get to your calls on next Friday's Bonus Show. Or, you can email Matthew at matthew@quoir.com. Join The Quollective today, and use Promo Code "matthew50" to save an additional 50% off a yearly subscription (which is already 10% off a monthly subscription). Pick up Keith and Matt's book, Reading Romans Right, today! Please consider signing up to financially support the Network: QuoirCast on Patreon If you want to be a guest on the show, email keith@quoir.com. LINKS QuoirCast on PatreonQuoirCast on Patheos Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After some comments on a variety of topics at the top of the program, we dove deep into the following citation from Basil the Great, "because the honor paid to the image passes on to the prototype." We looked at the original context and meaning, and then how it was plucked out of that context and used by John of Damascus, and how that then became central to the arguments of the iconophiles at Nicea II, and hence became the basis of "infallible dogma" for both Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Not an entertaining program, to be sure, but hopefully a helpful one. Tomorrow we will be doing a Zoom call "open phones" program, so join us then!

“What is our authority structure?” This question leads to a discussion on the implications of Sola Scriptura and how Catholics understand authority through both Tradition and Scripture. Other topics include how Catholics respond to 2 Timothy’s assertion about Scripture’s profitability and the significance of 1 Timothy 3:15 regarding the Church as the pillar and foundation of truth. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:33 – If Sola Scriptura is Wrong, Then what does our authority structure look like? 13:54 – How do Catholics refute protestant understanding of 2 Tim, All scripture is profitable. 21:00 – 1 Tim 3:15 says the Church is the pillar and foundation. How do protestants get around that scripture? 29:33 – I think another evidence for being against sola scriptura is Satan using scripture to tempt Jesus. What are your thoughts on that? 32:35 – What exactly is Tradition? 42:14 – How do you deal with the objection from protestants about wisdom and not being in their canon but only accept Sola Scriptura?