Podcasts about sola scriptura scripture

What do we mean by the phrase, sola Scriptura? What does it mean that the Bible is our authority for life today? How does that fit in a culture that emphasizes “my truth?” We'll discuss these questions and more with our guest, Dr, Ben Witherington around his new book Sola Scriptura: Scripture's Final Authority in the Modern World. Bible scholar Ben Witherington is Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and on the doctoral faculty at St. Andrews University in Scotland. Witherington has written over sixty books, including The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest, both of which were selected as top biblical studies works by Christianity Today. He also writes for many church and scholarly publications, and is a frequent contributor to the Patheos website. ==========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.

—Sermon text:Psalm 19:7–11 Download the discussion guide for this sermon here Reformation Sunday On Reformation Sunday, we celebrate the profound moment when a monk sparked a movement that changed the course of history. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, a German monk and professor, nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg. This act was a call to debate leadership and a rebuke of the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences—a practice in which people paid for the forgiveness of sins.Luther's central concern was the question of salvation: Can we earn it through our works and gifts, or must it be received from God as a gift itself? Luther's study of Scripture led him to the truth that a sinner is forgiven and counted as righteous by God's grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). While this doctrine of justification rested at the heart of what became the Protestant Reformation, the foundational issue was the authority of Scripture. Luther's courage to proclaim “Sola Scriptura” (Scripture alone) as the highest authority challenged centuries of tradition. He believed that the Bible—not the pope, councils, or tradition—was the ultimate authority in faith and practice.This rediscovery of the Gospel—rooted in God's Word—ignited a movement that brought the gospel to the masses, planted churches on every continent, and translated Scripture into the everyday language of people all over the world.On Reformation Sunday, we are not just remembering Martin Luther. We are celebrating God's work through his church, embracing Scripture as our ultimate authority, and preaching Christ alone as the only hope for sinners like us.

2 Corinthians 11:1-15 All Scripture is God-breathed. 2 Tim 3:16-17 When God talks, His people listen. Let God’s Word be your final authority. Sola Scriptura = Scripture alone

The Five Solas of Romans- Sola gratia -grace alone-, Sola fide -faith alone-, Solus Christus -Christ alone-, Sola Scriptura -Scripture alone-, and Sola Dei gloria -glory to God alone-

The Five Solas of Romans- Sola gratia -grace alone-, Sola fide -faith alone-, Solus Christus -Christ alone-, Sola Scriptura -Scripture alone-, and Sola Dei gloria -glory to God alone-

The Five Solas of Romans: Sola gratia (grace alone), Sola fide (faith alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), and Sola Dei gloria (glory to God alone)

The Five Solas of Romans: Sola gratia (grace alone), Sola fide (faith alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), and Sola Dei gloria (glory to God alone)

Todd and Tyler talk about sola scriptura and related ideas. Sola scriptura is the position that Scripture is the only "inerrant, sufficient, and final authority for the Church" (Matthew Barrett, God's Word Alone). Another position is that "both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church). And another position is the "open canon" of the Latter-day Saints that includes other scriptures in addition to the Bible. Related ideas discussed include inerrancy, church authority, and inspired non-canonical texts.

This sermon was originally presented on May 24, 2015 Scripture Reading: Psalm 19:7-11 There are many truths that are held in connection with the doctrine of sola scriptura.  The inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible issue from the idea that God has given us one book as His revelation.  In practical terms there are many today who would hold to the inspiration of the Scriptures, but not to their sufficiency  to speak to the issues of the day.  What is needed is a fresh commitment to the notion that the Word of God is completely sufficient for today's questions and problems.  What we see in Psalm 19 is a multi-leveled declaration that the Bible is:  (1) complete so as to revive us (Psa 19:7); (2) reliable so as to make us wise (Psa 19:7); (3) right so as to cause us to rejoice (Psa 19:8); (4) pure so as to enlighten us (Psa 19:8).  The Bible contains everything we need, both to view life and to live life properly.  We neglect it to our own ruin.  It is one thing to affirm that the Bible is a supernatural book, given by inspiration of God.  It is another thing to taste its nectar and know that it is a delight to the heart.  May God help us to know, in our minds, in our affections, and in our experience, that the Word of God is sweeter to our soul than ripened fruit is to our tongue, more necessary than our daily food, and more precious than our children and grandchildren. 

Magisterium. It's a word that you may hear often, but do you know what it means? It gives off a very mysterious tone that could leave you scratching your head a little bit. In a recent episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, George from Temple City, California asked about what the Magisterium actually is - whether it's a book, a governing body, or a collection of papal documents. Understanding the Magisterium: Origin of the Term: The word 'Magisterium' is derived from the Latin 'magister', meaning 'teacher'. It refers to the collective body of bishops who are in communion with the Pope (the Bishop of Rome) and are responsible for teaching. Role and Membership: The Magisterium acts both individually and jointly as a teaching authority. To be a part of the Magisterium, one must be a bishop. This exclusivity means that priests, like "Father McGillicuddy from St. Miscellaneous Parish," are not members.  Interplay of Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium: Scripture: The scriptures are seen as the objective 'data' of the Gospel. However, they require interpretation, similar to deciphering a vague menu item in a restaurant. Without tradition, a person can interpret scripture however they want.  Tradition: Sacred Tradition in the Church is the lived understanding of the Bible's teachings. This includes interpreting key teachings of Jesus and differentiating between sacred traditions (apostolic, divinely guided) and human traditions (cultural practices). Magisterium's Role: It serves as an authoritative teaching body, ensuring the correct interpretation and transmission of both Scripture and Tradition. This role is rooted in Biblical passages where Jesus grants authority to the apostles and their successors, guided by the Holy Spirit. Jesus wanted it this way all along.  Critique of Sola Scriptura: The Magisterium, along with Scripture and Tradition, forms a triad of authority. Patrick Madrid critiques the Protestant principle of Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), arguing that it causes confusion, leading to varied personal interpretations and the fragmentation seen in Protestant denominations. No wonder there are so many different Protestant denominations!  The Magisterium is not just a governing body or a collection of documents, but a fundamental part of the Catholic Church's teaching authority, working with Scripture and Tradition to provide a cohesive understanding of the faith.  It keeps us on track to follow the fullness of truth. 

In Daniel chapter 10, Daniel gets another vision that causes him great trouble. When Daniel prays, he prays victory for God over his enemies. Listed as we go through Psalm 58, an imprecatory psalm, and just what that means. Listen as Pastor Jensen continues through Daniel 10 using Psalm 59. In this sermon, Pastor Jensen discusses the challenges posed by the imprecatory Psalms, particularly Psalms 58, 59, and 109, which contain strong language of invoking curses and judgments upon enemies. Pastor addresses differing interpretations and responses to these Psalms, including views that consider them not divinely inspired or not suitable for the church today. He emphasizes the importance of upholding the doctrine of Scripture's inspiration and its relevance for all believers. The sermon encourages a balanced and careful study of these Psalms to understand their context and meaning. Highlights:

Speaker: Pastor Tim Yorgey Sermon Date: 10/2/2022 Sermon Series: The Five Solas This is the first of our 5 part series on the 5 Sola's of the Reformation. In this sermon will we look at Sola Scriptura- Scripture alone. We will be in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Here Paul reminds Timothy that Scripture is from God and is profitable for all that in needed to equip a believer to live the Christian walk.

Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 The Five Solas: 1. Sola Scriptura = Scripture Alone 2. Solus Christus = Christ Alone 3. Sola Gratia = Grace Alone 4. Sola Fide = Faith Alone 5. Soli Deo Gloria = To the Glory of God Alone Sola Scriptura – Defined Baptist Faith and Message I. The Scriptures - The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” This was Martin Luther's conviction - Consider 1517, 1519, 1521 October 31, 1517 - 95 Theses nailed to Wittenberg Church door July 4, 1519 - June and July - Luther and Eck Debate in Leipzig April 16-18, 1521 - The Diet of Worms Sola Scriptura – Directs Directs our worship Directs our preaching and teaching Directs our love for one another Directs our missions and evangelism Directs our stewardship of time, talents, and treasure Directs our spiritual disciplines like prayer, scripture engagement, fasting, etc Directs our church purpose, polity, and practices The Bible is more than merely descriptive, it is prescriptive and instructive Sola Scriptura - Declares It puts the PRO in PROTEST and the PROTEST in PROTESTANT Pro = for Protest = usually used as against but actually means “to make solemn declaration or affirmation of” Many have heard what the church is against... BUT what is the church FOR? WE MUST BE FOR WHAT THE BIBLE IS FOR! * We are for the repentance of all people and the regeneration that comes by faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is found ONLY in Jesus - He is the way, truth, and life * We are for a healthy, biblical church designed as He commanded! * We are for unity between people of different backgrounds, nationalities, skin colors, and languages under the truth of Christ * We are for LIFE, from the womb until the tomb, because life is God's gift! * We are for healthy, biblical marriages between a husband and a wife! It is time to go back to the simple truth taught in the children's songs “The B-I-B-L-E, Yes That's the book for me. I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.” “Jesus loves this I know…. For the Bible tells me so!”

In addition to donuts, pizza, beef, and "Luther Burgers", Stacey and Pastor Rich discuss the heart of the Great Reformation, the principle of Sola Scriptura--Scripture alone as the final authority for faith and life.

Listen as Pastor Scott Andrews preached about Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) on this 2021 Reformation Day on Sunday, October 31.

Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone. The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy.

Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone. The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy.

Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone. The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy.

Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone. The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy.

500 YEARS OF REFORMATION 1517 - 2017 Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Soli Deo Gloria (to the Glory of God alone) Series HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A. 1.THE EARLY CHURCH A Stony Path The Waldenses possess the Holy Scriptures like the early Christians and spread the true Gospel through Europe during the Middle Ages. The Roman-Catholic Church persecutes them in a brutal way. Despite all campaigns against them, they continue talking of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins on the cross. Revelation 12:6 - And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (KJV) My God bless you today and always.

500 YEARS OF REFORMATION 1517 - 2017 Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Soli Deo Gloria (to the Glory of God alone) Series HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A. Introduction - THE BIG FIVE The Heirdom Of The Reformators John Huss in Bohemia, John Wycliff in England, Martin Luther in Germany, John Calvin in the French part of Switzerland and Ulrich Zwingli in the German part of Switzerland are the big figures of the Reformation. Their influence is still alive. They have made an impression on the world because of their devotion to Christ. Matthew 22:37 - Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (KJV Speaker: Pastor Kurt Piesslinger In his childhood he lived on a farm in 1000m at the foot of a mountain of 3000m in the Alps in Austria; Teacher for History and Geography; He studied Theology in Austria and Great Britain Pastor of the Seventh-Day-Adventist Church in Austria; he loves studying the Bible and History. He is looking forward to the time of Jesus return, when we will be delivered into the universe. He is married, two daughters, who are professional musicians. My God bless you today and always.

500 YEARS OF REFORMATION 1517 - 2017 Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Soli Deo Gloria (to the Glory of God alone) Series HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A. 2.THE MORNING STAR OF THE REFORMATION John Wycliff And The Reformation In England Being gloat over the serious sickness of Wycliff, some monks show up in his bedchamber, telling him, as one on the brink of the grave, to revoke his critical statements about the Church of Rome. Wycliff`s answer: „I shall not die, but live and declare the evil deeds of the friars.“ The monks rush in astonishment and confusion from the chamber. As Wycliff had foretold so it came to pass. 2 Peter 1:19 - We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. (KJV) My God bless you today and always.

500 YEARS OF REFORMATION 1517 - 2017 Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Soli Deo Gloria (to the Glory of God alone) Series HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A. 4.THE CHANGE Martin Luther - From Anxiety To Joy The student Martin Luther is taken by surprise in a heavy thunderstorm. He fears to be killed by a lightning and makes a vow to become a monk in order to survive. He enters the cloister, fulfilling his vow. The student of law moves on to become a student of the Bible. Later on he will reform the Christian world. Romans 1:17 - For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (KJV) My God bless you today and always.

500 YEARS OF REFORMATION 1517 - 2017 Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Soli Deo Gloria (to the Glory of God alone) Series HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A. 5.THE 95 THESES Martin Luther And The Reformation In Germany On the 31st of October 1517 ninety-five theses are fixed by Martin Luther on the Castle-Church in Wittenberg, Germany. The lies of the Roman-Catholic Church are made publicly. Indulgences cannot help a single soul. They only increase the finances of the Church. The doctrines of the Church of Rome are shaken. Jeremiah 23:29 - Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (KJV) My God bless you today and always.

500 YEARS OF REFORMATION 1517 - 2017 Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Soli Deo Gloria (to the Glory of God alone) Series HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A. 6.THE DIET OF WORMS Martin Luther And The Rulers April 18th, 1521: Martin Luther, standing in front of the rulers of Germany, is told to revoke his reformatory statements against the Roman-Catholic Church. He is on the brink of the stake. Luther`s answer: „Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen.“ From this hour onwards the religious landscape of Europe is changed. Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (KJV) Matthew 10:17-19 - But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. (KJV) My God bless you today and always.

500 YEARS OF REFORMATION 1517 - 2017 Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Soli Deo Gloria (to the Glory of God alone) Series HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A. 7.THE WARTBURG Martin Luther And The German Bible On the Diet at Worms Martin Luther is made an outlaw. Anyone may kill the Reformer without being punished for murdering. Therefore Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony, orders Luther to be taken captive. Actually he is brought to the Wartburg to be in safety. In this Castle Luther translates the New Testament into the German language. Isaiah 55:8.9 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV) My God bless you today and always.

500 YEARS OF REFORMATION 1517 - 2017 Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Soli Deo Gloria (to the Glory of God alone) Series HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A. 8.THE PROTEST OF THE LANDLORDS Princes Help Protestantism To Get Started The Emperor wants to force five protestant princes of Germany to adopt Roman-Catholicism again. These princes risk their lifes when protesting against the Emperor's will, but are protected by the Almighty. Since then the members of the Lutheran Church are called protestants. Acts 5:29 - Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (KJV) My God bless you today and always.

500 YEARS OF REFORMATION 1517 - 2017 Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Soli Deo Gloria (to the Glory of God alone) Series HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A. 9.THE REFORMATION IN SWITZERLAND Ulrich Zwingli Ulrich Zwingli is the reformer of Switzerland. His sermons convince the councillors of Zurich to destroy all the images of the town. God`s law is restored. In the decalogue it is written: You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth benaeth or in the waters below. You shall not bow to them or worship them. In 1531 there is a battle near Kappel in the southwest of Zurich between a huge Roman-Catholic army and a small Protestant army. Zwingli, doing his duty as a pastor, is praying with a dying soldier when a foe from behind throws a big stone on his head. Zwingli is the shepherd of his flock till the last minute of his life. Exodus 20:3-6 - Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (KJV) Revelation 2:10 - be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (KJV) My God bless you today and always.

500 YEARS OF REFORMATION 1517 - 2017 Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Soli Deo Gloria (to the Glory of God alone) Series HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A. 10.JOHN CALVIN AND REFORMATION IN THE FRENCH PART OF SWITZERLAND Calvin is a student in Paris, when he is about to be burned on the stake because of his Protestant belief. In the very last moment he succeeds in climbing down the wall of a house with some sheets. For years he is hunted by the authorities of the Roman-Catholic Church, because he preaches the Gospel without fear. In Geneva he finds his working place. Geneva is reformed by Calvin. But a group of nobleman, the Libertines, do not like Calvin`s practical reforms and live a low moral standard. Nevertheless they want to share in the Lord`s supper in arms, but Calvin risks his life by refusing their participation. Matthew 8:20 - And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Matthew 26:26-28 - And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. My God bless you today and always.

500 YEARS OF REFORMATION 1517 - 2017 Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Soli Deo Gloria (to the Glory of God alone) Series HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A. 3.THE MARTYR John Huss And The Reformation In Bohemia On the 6th of July 1415 John Huss is burned on the stake in Konstanz, Germany. As Professor of Theology in Prag, he has spread the teachings of John Wycliff about the Gospel through Europe. The Council is helpless because of the steadfastness of the Reformer, who is not afraid of the flames. Huss dies with confidence and firm belief in the resurrection from the dead. John 8:31.32 - Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (KJV) My God bless you today and always.

Sermon for the Second Sunday in Advent Romans 15:4-13 and St. Luke 21:25-33 by William Klock We often refer to this Second Sunday in Advent as “Bible Sunday”.  The hymnal suggests we sing songs like “Book of books, thy people’s strength” and “O Word of God incarnate”—hymns that celebrate Holy Scripture as our teacher, our chart and compass, our inspired source of strength until that day when, clouds and darkness ended, we see Jesus face to face.  Archbishop Cranmer found this theme in today’s Epistle, where we read St. Paul’s exhortation in Romans 15:4: Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”   The theme of these lessons for the Second Sunday in Advent, like the other Sundays, recalls the first advent of Jesus and calls us to be prepared for his second.  But the foundation of the Protestant Reformation was the recovery of the Bible.  “Sola Scriptura”—Scripture alone—was the great rallying cry of the Reformation.  All things must be subject to God’s word.  It is our authority by which every other authority must be measured and judged.  And, as Thomas Cranmer reminds us in the Collect today, it is God’s word that teaches us our hope of Jesus and his kingdom.  We pray that we might “read, mark, learn, and earnestly digest” the Scriptures that we might always hold fast to that hope. But how?  How do the Scriptures give us hope?  Brothers and Sisters, they give us hope by telling us a story.  The story of the God who created the cosmos and of his people.  The Bible is full of many different kinds of literature.  There’s history and hymns and parables and prophecy.  There’s story and there’s doctrine.  But it all comes together around the story of God and his people.  The major theme of Advent is the coming of Jesus and our need to be prepared.  As we read the lessons here we’re told of God’s promises to his people and his fulfilment of them and in that we learn of the faithfulness of God.  He is trustworthy and so we can trust the promises he has given to us.  This is where the two themes of the day intersect.  Cranmer was no dummy.  By shifting the focus of Advent Sunday towards the Bible, he did nothing to take away from the older lesson of the day, the one that calls us to be prepared.  This is what I want to look at today. Let’s continue with our Epistle.  Paul wrote these words to a church that was struggling with conflict—largely a conflict between Jewish and Gentile believers.  They were, because of this conflict, unprepared to fulfil the mission Jesus has given his Church—to proclaim and to live the gospel to the world.  So Paul’s exhortation was for them to be one, to be unified in Jesus the Messiah.  But as with so many things, it’s often easier to say that sort of thing than to do it.  Again, Advent calls us to be prepared.  We each face our own struggles in being faithful to Jesus and to each other.  We often try and we often fail.  What do we do?  Well, St. Paul brings us back to the foundational truths of our faith.  This is what we need to build on.  He brings us back to the story of God and his people and, particularly, to Jesus and his place in that story. Unfortunately, while our Epistle reminds us of the importance of the Scriptures, it leaves out the first verses of the passage.  This is where Paul identifies this problem of conflict and disunity in the Roman church and applies Scripture to it.  Specifically, he cites Psalm 69:9.  Verse 3 reads: For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”   All by itself, this verse from the Psalms is a good reminder to bear with others and to put them first.  Jesus did that and we would do well to follow his example.  But Paul’s really getting at something much deeper.  Sadly, most Christians don’t make a whole lot of use of the Psalms.  We don’t know them as well as we should.  But the Jews knew them inside and out.  The Psalter was their hymnbook.  And so, in the same way a modern person might quote a single line from a popular song and in doing that bring to mind a whole verse or even the whole song to make a point, to quote a single verse from a psalm would bring to mind the whole psalm.  It also helps to know that this isn’t the first time in Romans that Paul has cited from Psalm 69.  He uses it as a lens through which to understand the times the church was facing in those days.  You see, Psalm 69 was a lament.  David had sinned and was suffering the effects, but to make matters worse, his enemies were piling on, taking advantage of his suffering, and making everything worse.  The Psalm begins: Save me, O God!          For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire,          where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters,          and the flood sweeps over me.  (Psalm 69:1-2) David cries out to the Lord, he calls for judgement on his enemies, and it ends with praise, knowing that the Lord will vindicate his servant, even though he hasn’t done so yet.  David knew that the Lord is faithful to his promises.  But, Psalm 69 isn’t just David’s song.  It became Israel’s song.  This was Israel’s story just as much as it was David’s.  She sinned, she suffered, and then her enemies took advantage of that suffering to make things even worse, and so the nation cried out to the Lord for deliverance and in hopeful praise, knowing his promises and his faithfulness to always do what he said.  And now, knowing Jesus, who represents Israel much as David did, but in a far deeper way, Paul overlays Psalm 69 on the ministry of Jesus as Messiah. Today’s Collect urges us to “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest” the Scriptures so that we might in our journeys hold fast to the hope given us in Jesus.  St. Paul shows us how to do that.  It’s something we really need to hear in a day when, on the one hand we have Christians who say we should unhitch ourselves from the Old Testament and, on the other hand, Christians who go to the opposite extreme and have forgotten or misunderstood what it means to be people of the new covenant and are still trying to live under the old.  Paul knew the Old Testament Scriptures.  He knew they were the story of his people.  And he had a pretty good idea where they were headed.  And then he met the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus.  He was confronted head on by the reality that this Jesus whom he and so many others had rejected, was truly Israel’s Messiah.  As we say today, this “rocked his world”.  So much so, that he retreated for a few years into solitude to think it through and to work it all out.  He suddenly had to rethink the whole story with Jesus at its centre, its culmination. The story Paul knew was about his people, brought by the Lord into covenant with himself, who were to bring his redemption to a fallen humanity and a fallen world.  The story had been worked out through a great deal of grief and suffering—a lot of it brought on themselves by their sin—but it would eventually come to its glorious fulfilment in the Messiah, who would represent them, and who would vindicate them somehow through his own suffering.  And now, in Jesus, it had all happened.  This was the big shock for Paul.  He and so many others had been waiting for an end to the story, but the moment he met the risen Jesus, he was forced to acknowledge that Jesus really was the Messiah—and as the Messiah, Jesus was the end, or better, the fulfilment of it all.  From Jesus he then had to read backwards and come to understand the story of the people of God through Jesus.  That’s not an easy thing to do.  Again, Paul had to go off into solitude for a good long while to sort it out for himself.  Thankfully, he’s done the heavy lifting for us. Paul shows us how this kind of Jesus-centred approach to the story is done in the verses that follow.  Here’s what he writes: May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.  (Romans 15:5-7) Paul highlights the humility of Jesus.  First, he humbled himself to be born one of us and then he humbled himself further, not only taking on himself the jeers and rejection of his people, but ultimately submitting himself to the humility of death on a cross.  In our Gospels the last two weeks we saw Jesus hailed as King.  By rights, Jesus could have taken his throne by violently overthrowing the Romans and Herodians, but to take his throne that way would not have fulfilled his messianic mission.  Jesus humbled himself in obedience to his Father’s plan of redemption.  That’s the model.  It was the model already established in Israel’s story.  Now it’s the model of Jesus’s ministry.  And that means humility will be the model of the Church’s life as well.  The Church cannot fulfil her mission by demanding our rights.  That’s not to say that there isn’t a place for “rights” in the world.  That’s not to say that the Church shouldn’t take a stand to protect the rights of others when necessary.  What it means is that to walk with Jesus, to be stewards of his royal summons and the fruit of the Spirit, means putting others before ourselves.  The Roman Christians needed to follow Jesus’ example in this in order to settle their differences—not just for their own sake, but for the sake of the calling the Lord had given them.  This is the really important part for Paul.  Getting along is great, but getting along for the sake of getting along, unity for the sake of unity isn’t the point.  Being united and loving one another, showing Christlike humility prepares us for something bigger.  This is about the Church’s stewardship of the gospel. And here’s the thing that’s really neat here.  We see Paul applying the same principles—working back from Israel’s story—again as he writes about the mission of the church.  Here’s what he writes in verse 8: For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.   He’s saying that there’s a connection between the promise God made to Abraham and this group of struggling Christians in Rome.  First—and he brings us back to the humility of Jesus—the Messiah humbled himself and became a servant to the circumcised.  The circumcised are the Jews, the people of the old covenant.  Jesus became a servant to them.  Paul’s talking about how Jesus died for their sins.  I know we like to quote John 3:16 and talk about how Jesus died for the whole world.  Jesus did die for the sins of everyone, but we need to be careful when we say that, that we don’t short-circuit the story here.  Jesus died for the sins of his own people.  Even the way in which he died, crucified by the Romans, was the very death that the unrepentant Jews would face a generation later.  Jesus died for his own people in order to establish a new covenant and a new covenant people—a new Israel.  He did this to show that God is faithful to his promises.  First, in Jesus, God was faithful to his promises to renew his people—to redeem them from sin and to fill them with his own Spirit and to gather them to himself from the nations where they had been scattered.  Think of that remarkable scene at Pentecost.  But then, as a result of this amazing work done through Jesus and the Spirit, the Gentiles can’t help but notice.  Israel had been unfaithful to God and because of that the Gentiles mocked her and they mocked the Lord.  “Where is your God?” they would jeer.  And yet now, even despite Israel’s faithlessness, God had fulfilled his promises and the Gentiles can’t help but take notice.  God had done something amazing with his own seemingly hopeless people and now the Gentiles are glorifying the God of Israel and wanting to know more.  As Zechariah had prophesied: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”  (Zechariah 8:23) And Paul makes this point in our Epistle, quoting more psalms that tie the mission of the Church to the Lord’s promises to Abraham and to Israel’s mission.  In verse 9 Paul quotes Psalm 18:49. This is the Psalmist celebrating the victory that God had given him—one that even the Gentiles would take note of. “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,          and sing to your name.”   And next Paul quotes Moses in Deuteronomy as he calls the nations to rejoice along with Israel over the victory of God: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”   And, similarly, Psalm 117:1 “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,          and let all the peoples extol him.”   And he ends with Isaiah 11:10: “The root of Jesse will come,          even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”   The root of Jesse—remember we talked about the branch Sunday before last—the Messiah will not only set Israel to rights and rule over the Gentiles, but he will do it in such a way that he will become their hope as well.  Paul is showing that all along, ever since Abraham, God’s purpose was to work through Israel, not just for the sake of Israel, but for the sake of whole world.  Jesus became a servant of the circumcised, so that the watching gentiles would glorify God and be drawn to him in faith.  Jesus has done his part.  Now the Church is called to do hers—to proclaim to Jews and Gentiles alike what the God of Israel has done through Jesus. Paul saw an urgency in this calling and we get a sense of why in our Gospel.  Today’s Gospel is taken from Luke 21, from what’s often called Jesus’ “Olivet Discourse”—a talk Jesus had with his disciples near the end of his ministry in which he told them about the coming judgement on Jerusalem and on unrepentant Israel.  Here’s what Jesus says: “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  (St. Luke 21:25-26) In the verses just prior, Jesus gives us the setting.  Armies have surrounded Jerusalem and the city will be trampled underfoot.  In our verses here he draws on the language of the Old Testament prophets to describe the turmoil of those days.  Isaiah, for example, wrote of the judgement that was to come on Babylon, saying that the “the sun will be dark at its rising, and the moon will not shed its light” (13:10).  Ezekiel uses the same kind of language to describe the judgement that was coming on Egypt (32:7) and Joel to describe the calamity that was coming to Jerusalem in its destruction by Babylon (2:10).  This is apocalyptic language meant to give a sense of things falling apart.  The Lord holds creation together in his hands, he sustains it all, but in his judgement it’s as though he’s withdrawn his hands, creation comes apart and chaos takes over.  It makes sense.  Those who reject the Lord get a taste of what it’s like to live without him. Continuing to draw on the language of the prophets, Jesus goes on: And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”  (Luke 21:27-28) Jesus takes this language straight from Daniel 7:13.  The son of man—the one who represents Israel, the Messiah whom the people rejected and crucified, the Messiah for whom the little community of Jewish Christians has been persecuted—will come in the clouds with power and glory.  This is not an image of Jesus’ final return at the end of the age.  It can’t be, as we’ll see just a few verses on, because it’s already happened.  No, the passage Jesus draws on in Daniel describes the son of man, not coming on the clouds to the earth, but ascending on the clouds to the Ancient of Days, to receive “dominion and glory and a kingdom” (7:14).  What Jesus is describing is his own vindication as Messiah and the vindication of those who have believed in him, despite the persecution of their fellow Jews.  He goes on in verses 29-33: And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.  As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near.  So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.  Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.   Jesus’ friends will follow in his footsteps as they face rejection and persecution.  He has tasked them with proclaiming the good news about him in Jerusalem and Judea and to the whole world.  Like the old prophets, their task is to issue the royal summons, calling scattered Israel to the King.  Many will hear the summons and believe, but they will face persecution and death at the hands of their brethren who reject the Messiah.  But both Jesus and his people will be vindicated when unbelieving Israel faces judgement.  And Jesus gives them hope and a sense of urgency.  This time of awful persecution will not last forever.  Within their generation it will come to an end.  But that also means that the clock is running on their mission to carry the gospel to their fellow Jews.  This is why St. Paul urged his readers in last Sunday’s Epistle to wake up and to put on the armour of light.  The night is far gone and the day is at hand. Jesus’ final words in the Gospel bring us back full circle to the petition of our Collect.  Jesus assures his disciples that his words will not pass away.  Specifically, he’s assuring them that what he’s said will happen within their lifetime will indeed happen.  And, of course, from our perspective we can look back to the events leading up to Jerusalem’s destruction in a.d. 70 and see that God is, indeed, faithful and that his word is true. But the destruction of Jerusalem and the vindication of Jesus’ people in that time isn’t the end of the story.  It took the other disciples time to see that there was more to the fulfilment of Israel’s story, but Paul had worked this part out early on as we see in our Epistle.  The Lord did not save the faithful remnant of Israel for their sake alone.  Israel’s calling was always to be a light to the Gentiles.  Israel’s calling was always to carry the Lord’s salvation to the nations.  And so in the events of a.d. 70, we see again the faithfulness of God in the vindication of Jesus the Messiah and of his people, and we see another horizon, one in which the gospel goes out from Jerusalem and Judaea to Samaria and eventually to the whole world, not only summoning the scattered sheep of Israel, but drawing in the nations as they see the faithfulness of God and come to him in faith to give him glory.  And here we have no timeline, no expiration date.  We have only the promise that one day the knowledge of the glory of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.  There will be ups and downs as history shows, but the kingdom of Jesus will go marching on until, empowered by the Spirit, the Church fulfils her gospel mission.  It may be a thousand years or a hundred thousand years, but we can trust that as God has been faithful in the past, he will be faithful to the very end.  Our hope is sure and certain because his word tells us so.  And in that, Brothers and Sisters, we ought to find exhortation to be faithful ourselves to live and to proclaim the gospel boldly and courageously until our Lord returns. Let’s pray: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Today we are start our five week overview of the Five Solas looking at Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority. Join us for our Drive-In Gatherings Sundays at 9:30AM at 1812 US-70, MORGANTON, NC 28655 https://www.coramdeonc.com/blog/2020/6/22/drive-in-services

Lição da Escola Sabatina da Igreja Adventista do 7º Dia - Comentários de Ellen White Tema geral do trimestre: Como Interpretar as Escrituras Tema da semana: Somente pelas Escrituras - Sola Scriptura Autores: Frank M. Hasel (PhD), diretor associado do Instituto de Pesquisa Bíblica (BRI) da Associação Geral das Igrejas Adventistas do 7º Dia. Michael G. Hasel (PhD), professor de Teologia na Southern Adventist University e diretor do Instituto de Arqueologia e Museu Arqueológico Lynn H. Wood. Narração: Samoel Weck - Locutor, apresentador de rádio e TV, jornalista e professor de oratória - Formado em Fonoaudiologia, com pós-graduação em Marketing e Comunicação Política. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/samoel-weck/message

Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone is our highest authority

Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone is our highest authority

Growgroup questions Most of today's sermon was reworded from “Meet Martin Luther: A Sketch of the Reformer's Life” by Anthony Selvaggio. You can pick up your own copy of this book here https://goo.gl/FFdJYP.  Know Before Sunday, what did you know about Martin Luther? Grow Luther would spend time confessing his sins for up to six hours. Is it possible to be too honest when confessing our sins to God or others? Why or why not? At the top of the Santa Scala steps, Luther asked “Who knows whether this is really true?”. Have you ever wrestled with questions like this in your faith? How did you deal or are you dealing with times of doubt / questioning? Luther began to hate God because he misunderstood the gospel and what righteousness meant. Have you ever struggled with God because of a misunderstanding you've had of who He appears to be in scripture? Luther debated Eck at Leipzig about who has final authority – the Bible or the Pope? 2 Timothy 2:23 says this: Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. How do we know when it's a foolish controversy or a matter worth standing our ground over? Do you think that it would have been better for reform to happen in the Catholic Church instead of the big church split that led to the Protestant Church coming into being? Imagine if Luther had never realized that the righteous shall live by faith. How would life today be different? Show How important are the 5 Solas today? Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority. Sola Fide (“faith alone”): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ. Sola Gratia (“grace alone”): We are saved by the grace of God alone. Solus Christus (“Christ alone”): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King. Soli Deo Gloria (“to the glory of God alone”): We live for the glory of God alone.

What is it, where is it in the bible, and why is it important today? Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) means that we are made right with God through the revelation of scripture alone.

Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone.

The Five Solas - A five-week series exploring the five pillars of The Reformation, beginning with Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone).

Fr. Andrew continues his examination of the 5 "solas" in reformational theology looking today at Sola Fide (by faith alone), Solus Christus (through Christ alone), Sola Gratia (by grace alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone). For his talk on Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) see the previous episode.

Have you ever heard of the Catholic idea of "Also" Scriptura? Join Deacon Jeff Drzycimski in the "luxurious corner booth" of The Catholic Cafe as he and wingman Tom Dorian discuss why the Protestant notion of Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) fails three key tests for determining the validity and soundness of doctrine.