The Kingdom of God¶
We've crafted an unofficial, source-cited, non-commercial index of Dr. R.C. Sproul's publicly available teachings, weighted by how many independent sources corroborate each point. The content is authored by Dr. R.C. Sproul and published by Ligonier Ministries (a few items are third-party YouTube re-uploads); see the Methodology & Rights page for more info. Quotations are brief, linked to their source, and reproduced for study under Ligonier's Copyright Policy (ligonier.org/copyright-policy). This site is humbly offered for personal use only, out of love and respect, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ligonier Ministries or St. Andrew's Chapel.
719 positions — 54 corroborated across multiple sources.
Well-attested positions¶
Independently stated in two or more of his messages.
The kingdom of God is not merely a future event or spiritual state, but a reality that breaks into the world through the Messiah's rule.
The whole Old Testament called attention not to a kingdom that would simply appear in people’s hearts, but to a kingdom that would break through into this world, a kingdom that would be ruled by God’s anointed Messiah.
Corroborated across 6 sources: What Is the Kingdom of God? (Ligonier article) · The Ascension (Ligonier) · The Kingdom Come (Ligonier) · The Mission of the Seventy-Two (Ligonier) · New Wineskins (Ligonier) · A Second Account (Ligonier)
The primary goal of a Christian's life must be seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness, which is the top priority that will lead to all other blessings.
If you’re going to follow me, the top priority that should define your life is seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and the rest will be added unto you.
Corroborated across 4 sources: The Meaning of God’s Will (Ligonier article) · R.C. Sproul @ 2:05 · R.C. Sproul @ 16:44 · Blessings & Curses (Ligonier)
To see or enter the kingdom of God, one must be born again through the Spirit.
Context: Quoting Jesus (John 3:3, 5)
Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. . . . Unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, 5).
Corroborated across 4 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 0:00 · R.C. Sproul @ 1:03 · Dead to Sin, Alive to God (Part 2) (Ligonier) · Rebirth (Ligonier)
Amillennialism holds that the kingdom of God has already begun and is currently active, though it awaits final consummation.
And so the amillennial position is based on the conviction that the kingdom of God is not something that is completely out there somewhere in the future, but that it has already begun. It has started. It still awaits its final consummation, but the prophecies in the Old Testament that refer to the future of Israel and Israel's full and final redemption refer, according to the amill position, to the church.
Corroborated across 3 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 18:21 · When Will the Kingdom of God Come? (Ligonier article) · R.C. Sproul @ 7:00
The kingdom of God has already begun, meaning that Christ's supreme authority over all creation is present at this very moment.
Both of the above views do violence to the clear teaching of the New Testament that the kingdom of God has indeed begun. The King is already in place. He has already received all authority on heaven and on earth. That means that at this very moment the supreme authority over the kingdoms of this world and over the entire cosmos is in the hands of King Jesus.
Corroborated across 3 sources: Bearing Witness to an Invisible Kingdom (Ligonier article) · The King of Kings (Ligonier article) · Has Satan been given dominion over the earth until Jesus returns? If so, why was he given this authority? (Ligonier Q&A)
The title 'Adonai' is a favorite and highly esteemed title for God in the Old Testament, meaning the one who is absolutely sovereign and rules all things.
And yet the favorite title that was reserved for God in the Old Testament was this title "Adonai." And what it means is the one who is absolutely sovereign. The one who rules all things. It's even a higher title than the title "king".
Corroborated across 3 sources: Jesus Christ, Anointed One (Ligonier article) · R.C. Sproul @ 9:37 · Introduction (Ligonier)
The primary task of the church is to bear witness to the kingdom of God, as men will be blind to Christ's kingship.
The fundamental task of the church is to bear witness to the kingdom of God.
Corroborated across 3 sources: When Will the Kingdom of God Come? (Ligonier article) · R.C. Sproul @ 2:41 · R.C. Sproul @ 5:17
If God is not sovereign, then He is not God.
But if God doesn’t ordain everything that comes to pass, then God isn’t sovereign. And if God isn’t sovereign, then God is not God.
Corroborated across 3 sources: What Does It Mean That God Is Sovereign? (Ligonier article) · R.C. Sproul @ 4:28 · R.C. Sproul @ 2:54
The title 'Lord' (kurios) was used in the New Testament to refer to God the Father, as the Hebrew title 'Adonai' was reserved for God.
The word for Lord in the New Testament, the Greek word that is applied to Jesus here, is the Greek translation of the Hebrew title 'Adonai,' which in the Old Testament is virtually exclusively relegated to God the Father.
Corroborated across 3 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 13:39 · Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath (Ligonier) · Peter's Sermon - Part 3 (Ligonier)
Jesus' primary mission was to preach the gospel of the kingdom of God.
He responded, “Don’t you know that I must be engaged in preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, for it was for this purpose that I have been sent into the world?”
Corroborated across 3 sources: The Catch of Fish (Ligonier) · The Gospel of the Kingdom (Ligonier) · New Wine Skins (Ligonier)
Paul's communication was intended for the entire body of Christ, not just his contemporaries.
but he was speaking to the Christian community, not only to his contemporaries but to the whole body of Christ from that day forward.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 11:26 · R.C. Sproul @ 11:33
Jesus' view of the kingdom of God was one that would come from heaven catastrophically, and this expectation was present throughout his ministry.
there's no doubt from the records of Jesus' view of the kingdom of God was one that would come from heaven catastrophically, and there were different points in Jesus' ministry where Jesus, according to Schweitzer, expected the breakthrough of that kingdom from heaven.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 12:23 · R.C. Sproul @ 12:37
The presence of Jesus himself was considered a manifestation and coming of the Son of Man in His kingdom.
So, that the very presence of Jesus was a manifestation and a coming of the Son of Man in His kingdom.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 18:21 · R.C. Sproul @ 17:42
Paul in Romans 11 indicates that God has not abandoned the Jewish people and that a future historical chapter awaits where God will deal with them based on their ethnic origin.
I believe that the Apostle is saying here in chapter 11 that God is not done with Jewish people, that there is still another chapter of history that we await where God will once again deal with His people -- ethnic origin of Israel.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 17:47 · R.C. Sproul @ 18:09
Predestination means that a person's destiny or destination has been decided in advance.
Now what the concept of predestination means is that our destiny, our destination, in some sense, has been decided in advance—pre-destination.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 12:35 · R.C. Sproul @ 12:46
The spread of the kingdom of God is a mysterious process that begins small and grows while our attention is elsewhere.
Jesus said the spread of the kingdom of God is much like this process. It begins small, but while our attention is elsewhere, so to speak, the kingdom grows.
Corroborated across 2 sources: The Eternal Significance of the Infinitely Insignificant (Ligonier article) · The Coming of the Kingdom (Ligonier article)
Human rebellion is characterized by attempting to build kingdoms and make names for oneself rather than for God.
But what happened in the cosmic revolt? Man wanted to build a city for himself, to build his own kingdom. Man wanted to make a name for himself, not for God.
Corroborated across 2 sources: The Glory of Man and the Glory of God (Ligonier article) · Our Story (Ligonier article)
Any human attempt to build an ultimate city or kingdom for its own glory will ultimately result in chaos and failure.
Every attempt of man to build his own ultimate city and kingdom will end in chaos. Any success we enjoy will be short-lived, for the Lord will bring into judgment every hidden thing, every secret thought (Eccl. 12:14).
Corroborated across 2 sources: The Glory of Man and the Glory of God (Ligonier article) · Our Story (Ligonier article)
Salvation is an activity that God performs within real history, not outside of space and time.
Salvation is an activity that God performs in history. It is not something that happens outside of space and time. It is not some existential thing that takes place away from real history.
Corroborated across 2 sources: An Historic Faith (Ligonier article) · Christ in Our Place (Ligonier)
Jesus began His ministry by announcing the coming of the kingdom of God, manifesting its power through His teaching and confrontation with evil forces.
Jesus began His ministry by announcing the coming of the kingdom of God. Then, He manifested the power of that kingdom in His teaching and by His confrontation with the world of evil forces.
Corroborated across 2 sources: When Will the Kingdom of God Come? (Ligonier article) · Healing of the Man with the Unclean Spirit (Ligonier)
Christ's reign is ongoing, meaning He is actively King and seated on His throne even in the present time.
We Americans pride ourselves on living in a democracy, but as Christians we live in a kingdom, one that is actively ruled by the King of kings. His reign is ongoing. Jesus is King at this moment. He is on His throne even now.
Corroborated across 2 sources: The Most Important Session of All (Ligonier article) · Jesus Appears (Ligonier)
God's plan for Israel is certain because He has predicted it, and whatever God says will happen in the future must come to pass.
We know that is true and that it will happen because God has predicted that it will happen. Whatever God says will happen in the future must necessarily come to pass.
Corroborated across 2 sources: The Reformed View of Predestination (Ligonier article) · Israel's Rejection Not Final (Part 3) (Ligonier)
The Kingdom of God has been inaugurated and already exists, though its full consummation awaits Christ's return.
We have a King who already has been crowned. So the kingdom of God has been inaugurated, though it won't be fully consummated until He returns at the end of the age, when every knee will bow before Him (Phil. 2:10). His Kingdom already exists. He's the King right now.
Corroborated across 2 sources: Remember Who Sits Over the White House (Ligonier article) · R.C. Sproul @ 0:21
The religious leaders accused Jesus of misleading the nation and claiming to be a king by forbidding tribute to Caesar.
We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.
Corroborated across 2 sources: The Midnight Trial (Ligonier article) · Jesus on Trial (Ligonier)
The manifestation of the Kingdom of God in the world requires the church to live in a way that bears witness to Christ's kingship in all areas of life.
The only way the kingdom of God is going to be manifest in this world before Christ comes is if we manifest it by the way we live as citizens of heaven and subjects of the King.
Corroborated across 2 sources: What Is the Kingdom of God? (Ligonier article) · R.C. Sproul @ 4:25
Humans are debtors to God because He has imposed obligations on His creatures, and these obligations must be performed.
God and God alone has the absolute right to impose obligations on His creatures. And He has done that. He has said, “You must do this, and you must not do that.” And we owe it to God to perform those obligations.
Corroborated across 2 sources: When Towers Fall (Ligonier article) · What is the difference between sin, transgression, and iniquity? (Ligonier Q&A)
The most central and important theme of the Gospel of Matthew is the coming of the kingdom.
If we were to look, however, for one single theme that seems to be the most central and most important theme of the entire gospel of Matthew, it would be the theme of the coming of the kingdom.
Corroborated across 2 sources: The Witness of Matthew (Ligonier article) · R.C. Sproul @ 0:25
Jesus warned his followers not to enter Jerusalem when it was surrounded by armies, advising them instead to flee to the mountains or depart from the city.
Let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let those who are in the midst of her depart. And let not those who are in the country enter her.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 6:32 · The Olivet Discourse (Part 2) (Ligonier)
If restricted to only one chapter, Sproul would choose Genesis 15.
But, if my options were even more narrowly restricted, and I could only have one chapter of the Bible as I languished in prison, that chapter would be the 15th chapter of the book of Genesis.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 10:08 · R.C. Sproul @ 0:08
The primary purpose of a Christian life is the lifelong pursuit of the kingdom of God.
Ladies and gentlemen, what pleases God is somebody who signs up for the duration, somebody who prays every day, “Thy kingdom come,” somebody who spends his life – not just the beginning of his life – his life seeking the kingdom of God.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 22:32 · Discipleship (Ligonier)
The visible church must make the invisible kingdom of Christ manifest to the world.
It is the task of the visible church—that is, us—to make the invisible kingdom of Christ visible, to manifest to people what it would be like to live in a commonwealth ruled by Jesus.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 10:01 · The Ascension (Ligonier)
When studying any book of the Bible, it is crucial to examine the historical setting, including the date, in which it was originally written.
when we're seeking to understand any book of the Bible we have to do our homework and look at the setting, the life-setting in which it was first penned, and the dating of a book at that level becomes very important.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 0:06 · R.C. Sproul @ 1:34
The background and content of Revelation rely on the existence of a present temple, which suggests the book was written before the temple's destruction.
And yet there's not the slightest hint anywhere in the book of Revelation that the temple is no longer standing. Now, this is an argument of silence, but it's one of those pregnant silences, that certainly an event as catastrophic to Christian Jewish history as the destruction of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple would be mentioned by an apostolic writing that took place after the event.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 19:04 · R.C. Sproul @ 17:06
The anecdote about John's exile and chase suggests the book was written well before the time of Domitian and before the destruction of Jerusalem.
I mean, it's possible, I guess, that a 90-some-year-old person could engage in that kind of vigorous activity, but it's unlikely, and it's just one more allusion by the church fathers that would place the writing well before the time of Domitian, and prior to the destruction of Jerusalem.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 27:29 · R.C. Sproul @ 22:48
Computer analysis by Israeli scholars suggested that the first five books of the Old Testament were written by a single author without question.
Fifty-four scholars did the most radically sizable amount of data that could be fed to a computer to analyze, objectively, authorship of the first five books of the Bible, and wouldn't you know the computer spewed out the results, and according to the computer, that there was no question about it statistically that the first five books of the Old Testament were written by a single author.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 1:44 · R.C. Sproul @ 23:45
Exceeding the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees is necessary for entering the kingdom of God.
Jesus said to His contemporaries, "Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you'll never enter the kingdom of God."
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 7:54 · R.C. Sproul @ 0:02
Believers should submit to civil magistrates unless they command actions that God forbids or prohibits.
That’s why we are called upon to be zealous and scrupulous in being submissive to the civil magistrates unless they command us to do something God forbids or forbid us from doing something God commands.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 19:32 · What is the role of civil authorities in the Christian life? (Ligonier Q&A)
Jesus taught that his kingdom is not of this world, meaning it is not involved with earthly political machinations.
My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then my servants would be fighting that I might not be delivered up to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not of this realm.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 25:58 · The Triumphal Entry (Ligonier)
The focus of the Christian community should be on the Apostolic tradition, which is passed down from God, rather than human inventions.
But there is an Apostolic tradition. There is the tradition that comes to the church that is passed down from God Himself, and that’s where our focus is to be. Don’t let anybody or anything divert your focus away from that to something of human invention.
Corroborated across 2 sources: R.C. Sproul @ 0:19 · Defilement from Within (Part 1) (Ligonier)
One must choose a side regarding Christ, as there is no neutrality.
You see it in the world every day and you even see it in the church every day. We do everything we can to mollify the situation, to water down the divisive character of Christ, but Christ made it clear: there is no neutrality. You are either for Him or you are against Him.
Corroborated across 2 sources: The Benedictus (Part 1) (Ligonier) · The Dividing Christ (Ligonier)
A person cannot enter the kingdom of God through their own actions or good works; only trust in Christ is sufficient.
What we do will not get us into the kingdom of God. Only trust in Christ can get you there.
Corroborated across 2 sources: Build on the Rock (Ligonier) · Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me (Ligonier)
Jesus' warning to the Daughters of Jerusalem was about the future judgment of God on the city.
What was Jesus talking about? Clearly, He was looking to the future judgment of God on Jerusalem, the destruction of Jerusalem where 1.1 million people were killed in the first-century holocaust when Rome destroyed the city—man, woman, and child.
Corroborated across 2 sources: The Crucifixion (Part 1) (Ligonier) · Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem (Ligonier)
Humanity is naturally in a state of enmity with God, and this hostility is often masked by indifference.
But if you are indifferent to the Lord God Almighty, who has created you and is the author of every blessing you have received, what is that except hatred?
Corroborated across 2 sources: Death in Adam, Life in Christ (Ligonier) · The Atonement (Ligonier)
Reconciliation between parties requires a prior state of estrangement.
I mentioned earlier in our study of Romans that the one absolutely essential, necessary condition for reconciliation between parties to take place is estrangement because without estrangement, there is no need for reconciliation.
Corroborated across 2 sources: Death in Adam, Life in Christ (Ligonier) · The Atonement (Ligonier)
Jesus prophesied that none of the stones of the magnificent temple would remain standing.
As the disciples were in awe at this magnificent edifice, Jesus said: “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
Corroborated across 2 sources: The Destruction of Jerusalem (Ligonier) · The Olivet Discourse (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The Jewish people, despite being dispersed throughout the world, have maintained their identity for two thousand years.
The Jews were sent out of their homeland and dispersed throughout the whole world, but the never lost their identity for two thousand years.
Corroborated across 2 sources: The Destruction of Jerusalem (Ligonier) · Israel's Rejection Not Total (Ligonier)
The kingdom of God is defined by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, not by external or trivial matters.
For the kingdom of God is not in eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Corroborated across 2 sources: Do Not Cause Another To Stumble (Ligonier) · Fearing God (Ligonier)
No amount of good deeds or righteous living can earn one's way into the kingdom of God.
There is nothing that you could possibly do to earn your way into the kingdom of God. You cannot go to the judgment seat of Christ and say: “I went to church every Sunday for thirty years. I was an elder. I was a minister. I was a deacon. I tithed my money. I fed the poor. I ministered to the sick.”
Corroborated across 2 sources: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (Ligonier) · Unprofitable Servants (Ligonier)
God's power is demonstrated by His ability to suddenly and completely overthrow the authority and status of powerful earthly monarchs.
Suddenly, you see a little hand come out. There’s a little tug at the bottom of his robe, but that little tug is from the Lord God Omnipotent. Just like that, God topples the thrones of these monarchs and drags the mighty down from their positions of exaltation.
Corroborated across 2 sources: Israel's Rejection & God's Justice (Part 3) (Ligonier) · The Magnificat (Part 2) (Ligonier)
Jesus knew beforehand that Judas would betray him, as evidenced by the Scriptures.
My guess is that He did, but we certainly know from the Scriptures that Jesus knew before the fact, as He announced to Judas and the other disciples at the Last Supper.
Corroborated across 2 sources: The Lord's Supper (Ligonier) · The Twelve Apostles (Part 3) (Ligonier)
Entering the kingdom of God necessitates repentance and placing trust in Christ alone.
You cannot enter the kingdom of God without repentance, without fleeing from your sin and putting your trust in Christ alone.
Corroborated across 2 sources: Beginning of Jesus' Public Ministry (Ligonier) · Can you repent at the moment of death and still have the same salvation as someone who's been a Christian for many years? (Ligonier Q&A)
It is extremely difficult for wealthy people to enter the kingdom of God.
He remarked by saying: “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Corroborated across 2 sources: The Eye of the Needle (Ligonier) · The Rich Young Ruler (Ligonier)
Jesus rebuked James and John by teaching that those who desire to be first must instead be last.
She asked that when Jesus came into His kingdom, her two sons, James and John, might be placed at the right hand of Jesus. On that occasion, Jesus had to rebuke them and say that those who wanted to be first had to be last.
Corroborated across 2 sources: Who Is the Greatest? (Ligonier) · The Twelve Apostles (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The kingdom of God has already been inaugurated in the past, even though it will be finalized in the future.
The New Testament, however, makes it clear that while the kingdom of God will be finalized and consummated in the future, it has truly and surely been already inaugurated in the past.
Corroborated across 2 sources: Message from John the Baptist (Part 2) (Ligonier) · R.C. Sproul @ 5:17
Further positions¶
Drawn from a single high-trust (official transcript) source.
Classical scholarship should not be rejected but rather utilized to serve the kingdom of God.
It is imperative that we in the twenty-first century learn from the pioneers of the past who did not despise classical scholarship, but saw it as something to be harnessed in the service of the kingdom of God.
Source: God Is the Source (Ligonier article)
The Old Testament points forward in time, preparing God's people for the work of Christ in the New Testament.
The Old Testament points forward in time, preparing God’s people for the work of Christ in the New Testament.
Source: Ancient Promises (Ligonier article)
The laws and rituals found in the early books of the Bible are understood as foreshadowing or anticipating the work of Christ.
In the latter part of Exodus, and moving into the book of Leviticus, we see the laws governing worship, ritual, and the establishment of the priesthood, all of which are engaged as anticipating types, or shadows, of the work of the Christ who was to come.
Source: Ancient Promises (Ligonier article)
Christ ascended to fulfill His role as Great High Priest and to exercise lordship over the world, which was necessary for the Father to dispatch the Holy Spirit.
He was lifted up on clouds of glory in order to go to His Father for the purpose of His coronation as our King—as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He ascended into heaven to fulfill His role as our Great High Priest, interceding for His people daily.
Source: The Ascension (Ligonier article)
To strengthen marriage, the wedding ceremony should clearly remind people that marriage is instituted by God and established in His sight.
In order to strengthen the institution of marriage, we might want to consider strengthening the wedding ceremony, with a clear, biblical reminder that marriage is instituted by God and forged in His sight.
Source: The Basis of a Christian Marriage (Ligonier article)
Because Jesus is crowned as king, the realm over which he rules is all creation.
Since Jesus ascends to His coronation as king, with that coronation comes the designation by the Father of a realm over which He rules. That realm is all creation.
Source: Bearing Witness to an Invisible Kingdom (Ligonier article)
Despite cultural pressures and apparent darkness, God's kingdom continues to grow, and His Word remains firm.
The light of divine truth shines brightly even though at times the darkness seems overwhelming. Our Lord is building His church, and He will not be thwarted (Matt. 16:18). At times it may seem as if the darkness is winning, but God’s Word stands firm.
Source: A Call for Endurance (Ligonier article)
God will punish people not for lacking knowledge of Christ, but for rejecting the God who has clearly revealed Himself.
He will punish them for rejecting the God who has revealed Himself clearly. All people know God; they simply suppress that knowledge in unrighteousness. That is the sin that they will be punished for.
Source: Calvin’s Defining Passion in the Protestant Reformation (Ligonier article)
While the specifics of individual futures are unknown, Christians are certain that God has a clear ultimate destination for the people of God.
Though we do not wander aimlessly or grope in darkness for a clue to our future, the specifics of our personal futures are, nevertheless, unknown to us. We must still walk by faith rather than by sight. We are certain that there is a future for the people of God. The ultimate destination is clear.
Source: Can I Know God’s Will? (Ligonier article)
Redemption is understood as a threefold activity involving the Father (who plans and sends), the Son (who is sent into the world), and the Holy Spirit (who is sent with the Son).
In our redemption, it is the Father who designs and plans our redemption. It is the Father who sends the Son into the world and, together with the Son, sends the Holy Spirit.
Source: The Holy Spirit in Regeneration (Ligonier article)
The historical function of the first Adam is matched and conquered by the historical life of Jesus Christ, the last Adam.
The historical function of the first Adam is matched and conquered by the historical life of the last Adam, Jesus Christ.
Source: Death Does Not Have the Last Word (Ligonier article)
Certain actions, such as spoken words or physical events, cannot be recalled or undone.
But it cannot be undone. Certain things cannot be recalled: the speeding bullet from the gun, the arrow released from the bow, the word that escapes our lips.
Source: Death Is No Stranger (Ligonier article)
One debate concerns whether the Sabbath should be observed on the seventh day (Saturday) because it was instituted on the seventh day of creation, or if it should be observed on a different day, such as Sunday.
Some insist that since the Sabbath was instituted on the seventh day of creation, when God rested from His labors, and since the Old Testament Israelites celebrated the Sabbath on the seventh day of the week, which would be Saturday, we should follow that pattern.
Source: Defining the Debate (Ligonier article)
Jesus predicted the treasonous acts of both Peter and Judas.
And there are further similarities in these two examples in that Jesus predicted both Peter’s and Judas’ diabolical acts.
Source: The Difference Between Judas and Peter (Ligonier article)
Prayer can change things in the world, but only by working through God's sovereign will.
The prayer of His people is one of the means He uses to bring things to pass in this world. So if you ask me whether prayer changes things, I answer with an unhesitating “Yes!”
Source: Does Prayer Change God’s Mind? (Ligonier article)
Christianity is fundamentally a global mission, not limited to Western nations.
The Bible, through the lips of Jesus, calls the church to extend the reach of the gospel to the corners of the earth—to every tribe, to every tongue, and to every nation.
Source: Ecclesiastical Myopia (Ligonier article)
Even seemingly insignificant words and actions can have eternal significance because God uses them in building His kingdom.
This parable teaches me that the things I say and do, though they seem infinitely insignificant to me, may have eternal significance as God uses me in the building of His kingdom.
Source: The Eternal Significance of the Infinitely Insignificant (Ligonier article)
Scriptural problems, even those currently unresolved, will eventually be solved due to God's truthfulness and consistent revelation, supported by archaeology.
I’m confident such problems will eventually be solved because we serve a God who speaks truthfully and consistently, and because archaeological discoveries continue to confirm the biblical account.
Source: Explaining Anomalies (Ligonier article)
Unless a person perfectly obeys the law of God, they are under the curse of God and cannot enter the kingdom through good works or merely being ordained.
They don't understand that unless they perfectly obey the law of God, which they have not done for five minutes since they were born, they are under the curse of God.
Source: Forsaken: Jesus Became A Curse (Ligonier article)
Anyone who has not been covered by Christ's righteousness lives under the curse of God.
I know that every person who has not been covered by the righteousness of Christ draws every breath under the curse of God.
Source: Forsaken: Jesus Became A Curse (Ligonier article)
The Savior announced in Bethlehem is the long-awaited Messiah of Israel, who will not only save His people but also be their King and Sovereign.
This Savior is the Christ, the long-awaited Messiah of Israel. Every Jew remembered the promise of God that someday the Messiah, the Lord’s anointed, would come to deliver Israel. This Messiah-Savior is also Lord. He not only will save His people but He will be their King, their Sovereign.
Source: The Glory of Christmas (Ligonier article)
A sensitive Christian should view their occupation as an opportunity to contribute to the kingdom of God and fulfill a divine mandate.
The sensitive Christian understands that in the labor of his occupation, he is responsible to make a contribution to the kingdom of God, to fulfill a divine mandate, to embark upon a holy calling as a servant of the living God.
Source: God’s Will and Your Job (Ligonier article)
The Bible is the primary and most authoritative source for understanding God's rules and expectations for marriage.
The greatest textbook on marriage is the sacred Scripture, which reveals God’s wisdom and His rule governing the marriage relationship.
Source: God’s Will in Marriage (Ligonier article)
The speaker believes that the name of God must be regarded as sacred before the kingdom or will of God can be realized.
I’m convinced that although we pray for the manifestation and the victory of the kingdom of God, it is futile to hope for the victory of God’s kingdom on this planet until or unless the name of God is regarded as sacred, because God’s kingdom does not come to people who have no respect for Him.
Source: “Hallowed Be Your Name" (Ligonier article)
The Bible records real, linear history, which is distinct from mythology, unlike fairy tales.
Unlike beginning with the words “once upon a time,” the Bible begins with the words, “In the beginning God . . .” This statement, at the front end of the entire Bible, introduces the Pentateuch or the first five books of the Old Testament, and it sets the stage for God’s activity in linear history.
Source: An Historic Faith (Ligonier article)
Removing the Gospel's message from its historical context will result in the destruction of Christianity.
Take the Gospel and its message out of the context of history, and Christianity is destroyed altogether.
Source: An Historic Faith (Ligonier article)
God's purposes cannot be thwarted, as He will work through even negative events to bring about victory.
But His purposes cannot be thwarted, because He will work through even bad bounces to bring about victory.
Source: How Can God Bring Good Out of Evil? (Ligonier article)
The printing press was a crucial factor in allowing Luther's ideas to spread widely through various published materials.
The printing press made it possible for Luther to spread his ideas through the many books that he published, not to mention his tracts, confessions, catechisms, pamphlets, and cartoons
Source: How the Reformation Spread (Ligonier article)
Wittenberg and Geneva served as major centers for the worldwide movement of Reformation ideas.
Like Calvin’s academy in Geneva, Switzerland, the university became pivotal for the dissemination of Reformation ideas. Wittenberg and Geneva stood as epicenters for a worldwide movement.
Source: How the Reformation Spread (Ligonier article)
Prayer is a multidimensional discourse with God, not merely limited to asking for things.
On the contrary, prayer is multidimensional. God's sovereignty casts no shadow over the prayer of adoration. God’s foreknowledge or determinate counsel does not negate the prayer of praise.
Source: If God Is Sovereign, Why Pray? (Ligonier article)
If God treats humanity justly outside of Christ, the result would be perishing.
If God should ever, ever treat us justly outside of Christ, we would perish. Our feet would surely slip.
Source: An Inalienable Right to Grace? (Ligonier article)
Treating people justly outside of Christ would result in perishing.
If God should ever, ever treat us justly outside of Christ, we would perish.
Source: An Inalienable Right to Grace? (Ligonier article)
When Paul speaks of God being for 'us,' the pronoun 'us' refers specifically to the elect.
When Paul declares that God is for us, the “us” is defined as the elect.
Source: The Inseparable Love of God (Ligonier article)
Jesus ascended into heaven for the specific purpose of being invested and crowned as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
He was ascending into heaven for the purpose of His investiture and coronation as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Source: The King of Kings (Ligonier article)
Jesus' title as King of kings indicates a supremacy in his monarchical majesty, which means his rule encompasses all creation.
Rather, it is a structure that indicates the supremacy of Jesus in His monarchical majesty. He is King in the highest possible sense of kingship. In biblical terms, it is unthinkable to have a king without a kingdom. Since Jesus ascends to His coronation as king, with that coronation comes the designation by the Father of a realm over which He rules. That realm is all creation.
Source: The King of Kings (Ligonier article)
Sin fundamentally consists of rebellion and disobedience to a higher law and Lawgiver.
At the most fundamental level, sin is an act of rebellion and disobedience to a higher law and Lawgiver.
Source: Living under Authority (Ligonier article)
God took back the right to name a child (like John the Baptist) when that child was destined for a special relationship of obedience to God.
God took back to Himself the right to name the baby because this child was going to be in a special relationship of obedience to God.
Source: The Many Names of God (Ligonier article)
Effective teaching requires the teacher to guide students from ignorance into knowledge through incremental steps.
To educate (as the Latin root suggests), we must lead students “out of” ignorance into knowledge. That knowledge moves in increments, from the simple to complex.
Source: Marks of a Great Teacher: Understanding (Ligonier article)
God's actions, such as the light shining, were absolutely decreed and did not happen by chance or negotiation.
He did not achieve a plan of redemption by trial and error; the cross was not a cosmic accident exploited by the Deity. These things were decreed absolutely. Their effects were efficacious (producing the desired result) because their causes were sovereignly decreed.
Source: The Meaning of God’s Will (Ligonier article)
The central business and highest priority of the church is seeking the kingdom of God.
The seeking of the kingdom of God is the central business of the church. Our Lord commanded that we should seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things will be added unto us.
Source: The Mission of the Church Is Eternal (Ligonier article)
Because God is the Lord of history, the present moment holds eternal significance.
It’s because God is the Lord of history that right now counts forever.
Source: Moving Toward the Goal of History (Ligonier article)
God builds His kingdom through obedience to His Word and the work of His Spirit.
God is at work even now, building His kingdom, not with entertainment, not with flash, not with all of the pizzazz that we try to conjure up, but by obedience to His Word, which is attended by His Spirit, so that the kingdom grows and grows until the day when the Lord of the harvest comes for His fruit.
Source: Mustard Seeds and The Greatness of God (Ligonier article)
In heaven, there will be no need for a physical temple or visible symbol of God's presence because people will be in God's actual presence.
On this earth, a temple, or church, is the visible symbol of the presence of God, but in heaven there will be no need for a temple, because we will be in God's actual presence.
Source: The Nature and Wonder of Heaven (Ligonier article)
Regeneration is a sovereign gift that God determines to give to those whom He chooses to bring into His family.
Finally, it’s important to see that regeneration is a gift that God disposes sovereignly to all of those whom He determines to bring into His family.
Source: The New Birth (Ligonier article)
The curse involves being completely removed from God's presence, even precluding a glimpse of His light.
So by contrast, in the Old Testament the curse of God involved being removed from His presence altogether. The full curse precluded a glimpse, even at a distance, of the light of His countenance.
Source: Obscene, yet Beautiful (Ligonier article)
Every ruler is ultimately subject to God's laws and will be judged by Him.
Every king is subject to the laws of God and will be judged accordingly.
Source: The Origin and Function of Government Under God (Ligonier article)
Historically, Jewish people were generally prohibited from directly addressing God using the title 'Father,' though they could use it indirectly.
To be sure, the Jews would use the term “Father” indirectly by addressing God as the Father of people, but never by way of a direct address, in which the person praying addressed God in personal terms as “Father.”
Source: Our Father (Ligonier article)
Hell is fundamentally a separation from God, not merely a place where God is absent.
First I say, “Yes, hell is a separation from God.”
Source: The Place of God’s Disfavor (Ligonier article)
Modern culture is currently in a state of intellectual chaos, which historically has been filled by some form of statism.
There is a sense in which our present culture, more often than in any other period in history, is “up for grabs.” When this emptiness has happened in the past, something has come to fill that vacuum. Relativism is ultimately intolerable.
Source: Pluralism and Relativism (Ligonier article)
Humanity must either have God as its ultimate reference point or substitute the state in His place.
We are going to either have God on the other side of that wall or we will substitute the state in His place.
Source: Pluralism and Relativism (Ligonier article)
The world operates under a purposeful rule that is not random or capricious.
We do not live in a world of chance or chaos. It began with a purpose, it is sustained with a purpose, and it has an ultimate purpose. This is my Father’s world, and His rule is purposeful, not capricious and arbitrary.
Source: The Purposes of God (Ligonier article)
The most significant revolution in American history is the sexual revolution, which is a war against God.
I’m talking about the sexual revolution, which has wrought far more changes to the cultural behavior of America than the War of Independence fought against England in the eighteenth century. This sexual revolution is a war that's been fought not against any earthly king but against the King of the cosmos, the Lord Himself.
Source: The Revolution That Enslaves (Ligonier article)
Sexual immorality is incompatible with the kingdom of God, and those who violate God's sexual ethic have no part in His kingdom.
Sexual immorality and the kingdom of God are incompatible. No person who impenitently violates God’s sexual ethic has any part in His kingdom.
Source: The Revolution That Enslaves (Ligonier article)
Despite cultural decline, the fact that God reigns means that every action taken today has consequences that extend into eternity.
One thing, however, has not changed in the past thirty years, and that is the fact that because God reigns, everything that happens today has consequences that last well into eternity.
Source: Right Now Counts Forever (Ligonier article)
Sacraments, in general, serve to help people remember God's past actions and promises because humanity is weak and prone to forgetting.
The sacraments represent the Lord accommodating Himself to this weakness of ours in order to assist us in remembering what He has done for us.
Source: Sacramental Assistance (Ligonier article)
Satan is not sovereign and does not hold the keys to death; Christ holds all authority over life and death.
But Satan is not sovereign. Satan does not hold the keys of death. When Jesus appeared in a vision to the Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos, He identified Himself with these words: “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forever-more. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (Rev. 1:17–18).
Source: Satan Does Not Hold the Keys of Death (Ligonier article)
The popular, grotesque images of Satan, such as the red-flanneled jester, originated in the Middle Ages as intentional caricatures.
The roots of this grotesque caricature of Satan are found in the Middle Ages. It was popular sport in medieval days to mock the Devil by describing him in ludicrous terms.
Source: Satan the Proud and Powerful (Ligonier article)
Satan is restricted by space and time, meaning he cannot be everywhere at once.
He is a space-time creature who is limited, as are all angels good or bad, by space and time.
Source: Satan the Proud and Powerful (Ligonier article)
The authority and power of the bishop of Rome were consolidated for all future history of the Roman Catholic Church.
Within the next century or so, the authority and power of the bishop of Rome was consolidated for all future history of the Roman Catholic Church.
Source: Setting the Stage: The First Millennium (Ligonier article)
The Gospel of John's prologue affirms Christ's identity with God, stating the Logos was 'with God in the beginning, and was God.'
John declares in his gospel that the Logos was “with God in the beginning, and was God.”
Source: A Snare in Your Midst (Ligonier article)
Christians should maintain civil obedience where possible while still upholding God's commands.
He was diligent to give civil obedience where possible without compromising the commands of God. He sought, as the Apostle Paul did, to live at peace with all men.
Source: Songs from Exile (Ligonier article)
Believers are always pilgrims living in exile, even when they are within the kingdom of God.
But the people of God are always pilgrims. We are always living in exile if we are living in the kingdom of God.
Source: Songs from Exile (Ligonier article)
Building the kingdom of God is a supremely costly and dangerous task that requires vigilance against threats from both enemies and internal people.
It is our task to build the city of God. It is supremely costly and extraordinarily dangerous. He who will work to build the kingdom of God must be on guard against arrows that are directed at his face—but perhaps even more on guard for the arrows directed at his back.
Source: Songs from Exile (Ligonier article)
The church has been effectively banished from the public square, even if it has not been completely banned by American statism.
So although the church has not been banished completely by the statism that has emerged in America, it has been effectively banished from the public square.
Source: Statism (Ligonier article)
Statism is fundamentally opposed to Christianity because it involves usurping the reign of God.
Statism is the natural and ultimate enemy to Christianity because it involves a usurpation of the reign of God.
Source: Statism (Ligonier article)
If statism prevails in America, it will lead to the loss of religious freedom and ultimately the demise of the state itself.
In the final analysis, if statism prevails in America, it will mean not only the death of our religious freedom, but also the death of the state itself.
Source: Statism (Ligonier article)
The most important investment a person can make is in the kingdom of God because it provides eternal returns.
The most important investment we can ever make is in the kingdom of God, because it has eternal returns. These returns are not just for us but also for our family, our children, our grandchildren.
Source: What Does the Bible Say About Christian Tithing? (Ligonier article)
A person's obligation to God must take precedence over their obligation to the government.
We know we cannot spend the tax the government takes out of our paycheck. We must live on our “take home” pay. Our obligation to God takes precedence over our obligation to government. God should get paid first, “from the top.”
Source: What Does the Bible Say About Christian Tithing? (Ligonier article)
History is subject to sudden, catastrophic intrusions, not merely gradual changes.
Joseph did not take a simplistic linear or uniformitarian view of history. He understood that history is subject to intrusions of the catastrophic.
Source: Taking Thought for Tomorrow (Ligonier article)
Humanity is born into a state of spiritual darkness, unable to perceive the things of the kingdom of God.
We are all men born blind. We enter this world in a state of spiritual darkness. We do not see the things of the kingdom of God.
Source: Tender Grace (Ligonier article)
Seeing the kingdom of God requires a special act of grace.
It requires a special act of tender grace for us to see the kingdom of God.
Source: Tender Grace (Ligonier article)
Believers should not worry about seeing the immediate results of their service, but rather focus on letting God work with what they do.
We simply need to forget about trying to see the fruit of our service immediately. It does not matter if we ever see it. We are called to take the light and let it shine, then let God do with it whatever He pleases.
Source: The Coming of the Kingdom (Ligonier article)
The foundation upon which a structure is built must be solid for the structure to stand.
The foundation has to be firm in order for the house to stand.
Source: The Divine Foundation of Authority (Ligonier article)
Providence is appropriate to use with reference to God's active governance of the universe because He sees everything that happens.
Nevertheless, it is appropriate to use the word providence with reference to God’s active governance of the universe, because He is indeed a God who sees. He sees everything that takes place in the universe. It is in full view of His eyes.
Source: The God Who Sees (Ligonier article)
Jesus Christ is currently the supreme ruler of the world, and the kingdom of God is real, though invisible.
The kingdom of God is real. At this very moment Jesus sits in the seat of cosmic authority. He is now the supreme ruler of the world.
Source: The Importance of Cultural Awareness (Ligonier article)
The invisible nature of Christ's reign leads to widespread suffering and exploitation in the world.
Where Christ is invisible, people perish. Where His reign is unknown or ignored, people are exploited. They are demeaned. They are enslaved. They are butchered. They are aborted. They are raped.
Source: The Importance of Cultural Awareness (Ligonier article)
Christians have a mission to make the invisible reign of Jesus visible by bearing witness to Him.
Our job is to make the invisible reign of Jesus visible . The world is shrouded in darkness. Nothing is visible in the dark. No wonder then that we are called to be the light of the world.
Source: The Importance of Cultural Awareness (Ligonier article)
Christ is described as the supreme champion, a motif that parallels the victory of David over Goliath.
We see this clearly in Hebrews, where the author describes Jesus as our archegos , or the “supreme champion” of His people.
Source: The Last Enemy (Ligonier article)
A person's life priorities should be assessed to determine if they are seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness or if they are devoted to other ambitions.
Am I seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness? Or is there some other priority, some ambition, some goal to which all of my energy is devoted?
Source: The Things of God (Ligonier article)
The title 'the Philosopher' refers exclusively to Aristotle.
Among students of philosophy, if passing mention is made of the title “the Philosopher,” everybody understands that that title can be a reference to only one person—Aristotle.
Source: The Theologian (Ligonier article)
God's purpose in election is to ensure His people safely reach heaven, meaning He will complete what He starts.
The whole purpose of God's election is to bring His people safely to heaven; therefore, what He starts He promises to finish.
Source: TULIP and Reformed Theology: Perseverance of the Saints (Ligonier article)
Propitiation describes the change in God's attitude, moving Him from enmity to favor.
The prefix pro means ”for,” so propitiation brings about a change in God‘s attitude, so that He moves from being at enmity with us to being for us.
Source: What Do Expiation and Propitiation Mean? (Ligonier article)
The speaker warns that those who refuse to accept differing views are acting in a manner similar to the historical division between Lutherans and Reformed Christians.
At this point, I have to say, "Shame on you Martin Luther; you were just like John." Luther insisted that those who don't agree with us at every point are really not of Christ.
Source: A Warning Against Division in the Church (Ligonier article)
Discipleship is a lifelong commitment that involves following the thinking and conduct of the Master forever.
Disciples are people who have committed in their hearts and minds to follow the thinking and conduct of the Master forever.
Source: We’re Called to Make Disciples, not Simply Converts (Ligonier article)
Christ's kingship is not limited to the future, but is currently active and holds the highest cosmic authority.
So Jesus’ kingship is not something that remains in the future. Christ is King right this minute. He is in the seat of the highest cosmic authority.
Source: What Is the Kingdom of God? (Ligonier article)
A Christian's primary allegiance belongs to the Kingdom of God, which supersedes all earthly kingdoms and national symbols.
The kingdom of God trumps every earthly kingdom. I’m a Christian first, an American second. I owe allegiance to the American flag, but I have a higher allegiance to Christ, because He is my King.
Source: What Is the Kingdom of God? (Ligonier article)
The coming of God's kingdom depends on the name of God being regarded as holy.
Manifestly, unless and until the name of God is regarded as holy, His kingdom will not and cannot come to this world.
Source: What Is the Kingdom of God? (Ligonier article)
Believers bear witness to Christ's kingship in all areas of life, including jobs, families, schools, and finances.
We do that by living in such a way that we bear witness to the reality of the kingship of Christ in our jobs, our families, our schools, and even our checkbooks, because God in Christ is King over every one of these spheres of life.
Source: What Is the Kingdom of God? (Ligonier article)
Humanity is naturally hostile toward God, and therefore, God is the injured party.
We do not disobey God because we love Him deeply. We disobey God because we have an inborn hostility toward Him. The Bible says that we are by nature enemies of God.
Source: What Is Sin? (Ligonier article)
Christ serves as the Supreme Mediator into the situation of estrangement between God and man.
It is into this situation of estrangement, of brokenness, that Christ comes as Mediator. He is our Supreme Mediator.
Source: What Is Sin? (Ligonier article)
God entrusts a responsibility to heads of households to be provident, meaning they must plan ahead for the family's needs.
At the same time, God entrusts a responsibility to heads of households to be provident, that is, to consider tomorrow and to make sure there is food and clothing for the family.
Source: What Is Providence? (Ligonier article)
God preordained the star of Bethlehem to appear at that specific time to indicate that the Christ had been born, just as He ordered history to lead up to this point.
God had preordained the star of Bethlehem to appear at this time to indicate that the Christ had been born, just as He had ordered history to lead up to this point.
Source: What Was the Star of Bethlehem? (Ligonier article)
The hidden will of God can only be understood after the fact, by looking back at past events.
Second, the only way you are going to know the hidden will of God for you today is to wait until tomorrow, and tomorrow will make it clear to you because you can look back on the past and know that whatever happened in the past is the outworking of the hidden will of God.
Source: What Is the Will of God for My Life? (Ligonier article)
In the new Jerusalem, the physical temple building will be replaced by the presence of God and the Lamb.
John says—“the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.” The most beautiful earthly sanctuary in this world will be passé in the new Jerusalem because we’ll be in the presence of God and of the Lamb.
Source: When All Things Are Made New (Ligonier article)
The current fallen world is under the curse, but this curse will be removed in the new Jerusalem.
All suffer under the pangs of the curse of a fallen world. That’s why there’s a cosmic yearning, where all of creation groans together waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God, waiting for that moment when the curse is removed (Rom. 8:19).
Source: When All Things Are Made New (Ligonier article)
A monarch is defined as a single ruler over any given realm.
A monarch, then, is a single ruler over any given realm (usually a king or a queen).
Source: Who Do You Say That I Am? (Ligonier article)
Modalistic Monarchianism was a Gnostic assault on Christianity in the third century.
▷ A view Sproul explains or critiques — not his own position.
The third century witnessed the strong assault against Christianity by various forms of Gnosticism, which bred a kind of Monarchianism called “Modalistic Monarchianism.”
Source: Who Do You Say That I Am? (Ligonier article)
The use of 'kingdom of heaven' by Matthew is merely a circumlocution for sensitivity to Jewish readers, not a difference in theological meaning from 'kingdom of God'.
He does this not because he has a different view of the meaning or content of the kingdom of God; rather, out of sensitivity to his Jewish readers, he makes common use of what is called periphrasis , a certain type of circumlocution to avoid mentioning the sacred name of God.
Source: The Witness of Matthew (Ligonier article)
The question of God's existence is currently in dispute, not only regarding eternity but also regarding the present moment.
Now, the question of the existence of God, OK, is in dispute not only for eternity and for yesterday but for right now. In fact, that’s the thing we’re discussing – whether there exists now a God.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 12:20
The speaker notes that even scholars who admit Jesus lived do not necessarily agree that the record of him is historically accurate.
He admitted Jesus lived, but his emphasis, was it not, that what we have – that one thing we can be sure of is that in history people wrote about Jesus –
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 7:27
Jesus predicted that the Jewish people would be scattered and taken captive into all nations.
They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led away captive into all nations.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 9:57
Understanding the Christian's identity as a royal descendant of the King leads to an optimistic outlook.
And that’s why a Christian who understands that can only be an optimist. There’s no room for pessimism in the kingdom of God.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 2:40
The world's refusal to acknowledge God's kingship does not change the fact that He is King.
The world refused to bow before Him, but it doesn’t change the fact that He is King.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 4:14
Sproul asserts his personal conviction that the early chapters of Genesis, including the Adam, Eve, Garden, snake, and fall, are historical events.
I personally believe they are historical. I'm convinced that there was a historical Adam, that there was a historical Eve, there was a historical garden, there was a historical snake, and there was a historical fall.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 14:31
The cumulative evidence, including real rivers, genealogies, and references in the New Testament, suggests that the first three chapters of Genesis should be treated as historical.
and so I would say the cumulative evidence would call us to treat those chapters as historical. But let me remind you that our faith is tied to history, and it's important that we be able to recognize historical narrative when we see it
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 26:42
Paul uses the example of twin brothers, Jacob and Esau, to illustrate divine election.
And in his consideration of these two men, he labors the point that one is preferred over the other before either is born.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 2:48
The text explicitly teaches that God's choice of Jacob over Esau was made before they were born.
We read that, "For though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad" Let's just look at that phrase. Paul does not say here that they - that God had not known what they were going to do, or that He had known what they were going to do. He simply declares that the twins hadn't been born yet, and they hadn't done anything.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 3:52
The speaker argues that if the Bible intended to show that God chooses based on future actions, it would have done so, but it does not.
In other words, if the biblical view is what the foreknowledge view seeks to hold, namely that God always chooses in light of His knowledge of future decisions, first of all, why doesn't the Bible ever say that? It never says it.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 5:39
Jacob warned his sons that he would not enter into their council or join their assembly because he did not trust their lives.
Let me not enter into their council; let me not join their assembly. That, "I don't want to go into any private meetings when these two fellows are involved because I wouldn't even trust my own life to them," is what Jacob is saying to his sons, Simeon and Levi.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 6:45
The Levites did not receive a specific, defined parcel of land for their own tribe, but instead lived within the regions assigned to other tribes.
The Levites, when the Promised Land was divided up between the tribes, did not get a specific portion of their own. They were the tribe that was set apart to work as servants to the priests, and they were given places to live within the various regions that were assigned to the other tribes.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 11:40
Simeon was the only tribe omitted from receiving a portion of land when Moses gave his blessing and curse to the tribes.
No, I'm sorry, not with the dispersing of the land later, but in Deuteronomy 33, when Moses gives his blessing and curse to the tribes, okay, the only tribe that is omitted is Simeon. Simeon is given no portion.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 11:26
The kingship of Judah is not a perpetual dynasty but will continue until the arrival of Shiloh.
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until," now, my translation reads, "he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nation is his."
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 17:33
The Messiah, who is the promised king, will come from the tribe of Judah.
The Messiah will come from your tribe.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 21:44
Abraham was likely one of the wealthiest men of the ancient world.
Scholars have looked at the numerous examples of his private wealth in terms of his herds, his camels and all of the rest, and they say that this indicates extraordinary wealth of somebody at that time and at that place in antiquity.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 16:23
The seemingly minor events in Joseph's life, such as the coat, were necessary for the subsequent historical events, including the Exodus.
No coat, no prison, no Potiphar, no prime minister of Egypt, no exodus, no law, no prophets, no Jesus, no salvation, all because of one lousy coat.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 5:23
The Old Testament does not provide a single portrait of the Messiah, but rather multiple strands of expectation.
But rather we have different stands of Messianic expectancy in the Old Testament. There are those prophecies of the Messiah Who will come, Who will be like Moses, the mediator of a new covenant. And so you have that strand of the portrait of the Messiah, the One Who'll come like Moses, or you hear in Isaiah's prophecies of the prediction of the One Who is the suffering servant of Israel.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 4:00
The Old Testament contains prophecies regarding the restoration of Israel's kingdom and the coming of a royal king from David's lineage.
And then you have the Messianic promises of the Old Testament that talks about the restoration of the Kingdom of Israel to the days of glory like it was under David. And out of the seed of David, out of that lineage of David and out of the tribe of Judah the royal King will come to usher in the new dimension of the reign of God.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 4:46
Parallelism is a literary device where verses or stanzas of Scripture are set in close proximity to each other in a parallel fashion.
and parallelism simply is what it suggests, where you have verses or stanzas of Scripture that are set in close proximity to each other in some form of parallel fashion.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 3:38
Humans desperately need a covering to blot out their transgressions when standing before God.
what we need more than anything else when we stand before God is a coverup. We need a covering. We need something that will blot out our transgressions.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 1:09
The world is characterized by having no affection for the things of God, existing in opposition to the kingdom of God.
The world is that sphere, or that group of people, who has no affection for the things of God. The world exists in this regard in antithesis and opposition and tension over against the kingdom of God, and so He says, “I pray not that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 6:14
The current cultural climate is becoming increasingly hostile to Christ and His people.
We’re living in a country that becomes every day more and more blatantly hostile to Christ and to His people.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:37
All earthly rulers and kings are ultimately subject to the rule of the Lord God.
But remember that whatever comes is under the rule of the One who raises up kings and who pulls kings down from their throne: the Lord God omnipotent, who reigneth.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:00
The people of God have a future, as evidenced by historical events.
There is a future for the people of God,
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 6:05
Jesus taught his disciples to prioritize seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
I’ve spoken many times on the priority of the Christian life as Jesus declares it in His teaching when He tells His disciples to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all of these other things will be added unto you.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 15:20
A Christian should strive to please God by remaining loyal to Him, even when faced with opposition or usurpers.
Robin Hood lives to please King Richard, not Prince John. And then at the end of the movie, Sir Richard knights Robin Hood, making him the Earl of Loxley because he persevered. He lived – Robin Hood lived in the presence of his king, under the authority of his king, to the honor and to the glory of his king.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 25:27
The Word of the Lord is permanent and endures forever, unlike human life and earthly achievements.
How unlike the word of the Lord, that endures forever.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 3:46
Tradition is often defined by historical precedent, tracing back through the actions of previous generations.
It's what my father did, that's what my grandfather did, and that's
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 5:19
A tradition that is not understood or empty of its roots is precarious and will eventually fall.
that a tradition that is not understood, a tradition that is empty of its roots is a precarious as a man trying to dance and fiddle on a roof like that. Sooner or later it will fall, and it will be destroyed.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 6:34
Marriage serves both the happiness of the couple and the glory of God.
It's for our happiness, but it's also for His glory.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 26:54
Jesus is the supreme object and subject of biblical prophecy, encompassing all Old Testament prophecies concerning the kingdom of God and the Messiah.
He is the supreme object of prophecy, in that all of the multitudes of Old Testament prophecies regarding the future coming of the kingdom of God and of the Messiah of Israel, all of these prophecies converge in Him.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:00
Sproul intends to discuss the third aspect of God's love, which is his love of complacency, in the next session.
Now, in our next session, I'll see the third aspect of God's love, his love of complacency, which is perhaps the most important aspect of that love.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 23:45
David was a highly significant figure in the Old Testament, recognized as a great king, warrior, poet, musician, and statesman.
He extended the borders of the land from Dan to Beersheba and gave them their period of prosperity and presided over what was called the Golden Age of Israel. And not only was he a great king, but he was probably, perhaps next to Joshua, the greatest warrior that the Old Testament ever produced. And so he was a warrior king as well. And not only that, he was a poet and a musician, a statesman.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 2:38
Rebirth refers only to the beginning of the new Christian life, which is the first step accomplished by God's initiative.
Just as we enter into this world through the process of biological birth, rebirth does not refer to the whole of the new Christian life, but rebirth refers to the beginning of it, the very first step, the step that is accomplished by God's initiative when He quickens our souls from spiritual death to spiritual life.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:13
God's wrath is not merely irritation or simple anger, but a furious rage.
The point of contact linguistically between the English word "orgy" and the Greek word orgē, that is the word for "wrath" has to do with the expression of passion, unbridled passion. The link is this. What the Apostle is saying here is not only that God's experiencing wrath about something. He's not saying that God is merely irritated or annoyed or is simply angry, but really the force of this teaching is that God is furious—that God in heaven is enraged about something.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 26:29
God's anger is specifically triggered by human beings suppressing the knowledge of God, which God has revealed.
What the Apostle is saying is that God is angry because human beings are suppressing a knowledge of God, a knowledge that God Himself has revealed to the world.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 28:21
Modalistic monarchianism, which suggests Christ is merely a mode of being of the Father, was condemned as heresy in the Third Century.
Now this idea of modalistic monarchianism, meaning that Christ is a mode of being of the Father was condemned in the Third Century as heresy at Antioch
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 12:12
Dynamic monarchianism was a new form of monarchianism that rejected the emanations found in Neo-Platonism or Gnosticism while still emphasizing Christ's central importance.
And the difference, or the distinction, between modalistic monarchianism and dynamic monarchianism, is that in dynamic monarchianism this whole scheme of emanations that were found -- or that was found in neo–Platonism or in Gnosticism was rejected, and the dynamic monarchianism was also committed to preserving monotheism while at the same time giving honor and central importance to Christianity of the person of Christ.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 12:12
Noah cursed Canaan, stating that he would be a servant to his brothers.
And so he said, 'Cursed be Canaan. A servant of servants he shall be to his brothers.'
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:08
Shem and Japheth covered their father's nakedness by taking a garment and walking backward into the tent without looking.
But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father, and their faces were turned away so that they did not see their father's nakedness.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:08
Amillennialism teaches that the church is the kingdom of God and that all biblical prophecy refers to the church, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles.
The church is the kingdom of God. The church fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament. Now, the church includes both Gentiles and Jews. The amill position would still leave room for a future dealing of God with ethnic Israel, with Jewish people, but not in a separate agenda, a separate program where God has one redemptive plan for the Jews and another redemptive plan for the Gentiles, but rather all of the prophecy in the Bible refers to the church and the kingdom of Christ, that it will include both Jews and Gentiles.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 7:33
All truth ultimately belongs to God.
Context: Reporting Augustine's view.
Therefore, Augustine said that the Christian ought to learn as much as he can about as many things as he can because all truth is God’s truth.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 1:36
Regardless of future circumstances, Jesus Christ will remain King.
Even if things get worse, Jesus Christ will still be King.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:00
Outside the new Jerusalem, there will be a place of pure darkness where the glory of God and Christ will be shut out.
outside the new Jerusalem will be a place of pure darkness where no light will shine, where the glory of God will not pierce and will not penetrate, and the radiance of the continents of Christ will be shut out into this outer darkness.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:00
Losing God's presence is the ultimate loss, surpassing the loss of kingship, family, or wealth.
It's one thing for me to lose my kingship, for me to lose my family, for me to lose my wealth, but if I lose You I lose everything.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 14:00
The woman was created as a co-laborer and queen, not merely a servant or slave.
The woman was created to be a helpmate -- not a servant. She was created as the queen of paradise. Adam’s the king, and it’s not that Eve is the slave girl. She’s the queen; she’s a partner; she’s a co-laborer; but she is a helpmate.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 14:04
Jesus predicted that not one stone in the great buildings would remain upon another.
And Jesus answered and said to him, 'Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.'
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 4:52
The Second Coming of Jesus will be marked by celestial signs and involve Him gathering His elect from around the world.
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory and then will He gather His angels and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of the earth to the farthest parts of heaven.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 20:34
The majority view in New Testament scholarship for a long time was that the book of Revelation was written during the 90s, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian, which would place it after the fall of Jerusalem.
Well, the majority report in New Testament scholarship for a long time has been that the book of Revelation was written during the decade of the 90's, probably during the reign of the emperor Domitian, which would have made it appearing well after the fall of Jerusalem.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 3:50
Some reputable scholars have argued that Revelation was written much earlier, possibly in the 60s, and therefore may reference events that occurred before the fall of Jerusalem.
And there have been reputable scholars in the past who have argued for a much earlier date of Revelation placing it in the decade of the 60's rather than in the 90's or even after the year AD 100 as some higher critics have placed it. That is to say that it was written before the fall of Jerusalem and with specific reference to those events that were going to come to pass in and around these catastrophic moments
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 5:07
Irenaeus stated that if the name of the anti-Christ needed to be known in the present time, it would have been announced by the one who beheld the apocalyptic vision.
He says, and I quote, "We will not, however, incur the risk of pronouncing positively as to the name of anti-Christ. For if it were necessary that his name should be distinctly revealed in this present time it would have been announced by him who beheld the apocalyptic vision."
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 9:08
Irenaeus concluded that the event was seen not long ago, but almost in the speaker's own day, toward the end of Domitian's reign.
For that was seen no very long time since, but almost in our day toward the end of Domitian's reign.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 10:26
The external evidence suggests that the book of Revelation was completed by the year AD 68, making it prior to the fall of Jerusalem.
So that the external testimony of Clement is that everything that is found in the canon of the New Testament and all of the apostolic revelation, which would include the book of Revelation, had ceased by the death of Nero, which means all of the New Testament documents were completed by the year AD 68, which would make it prior to the fall of Jerusalem.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 14:18
The reference to the city on the seven hills in Revelation may be an obscure reference to Rome, not Jerusalem.
But in all of antiquity the most famous nickname for Rome was the city on the seven hills. And so if the author of Revelation is describing Rome here, he goes on to speak of the kings
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 22:09
The book of Revelation is likely referencing the sixth king, suggesting it was written at the time of that sixth ruler.
It tells you that the book is being written at the time of the sixth king, because five have gone, there's another one that is to come, but the sixth is now.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 22:51
If the list of Roman rulers begins with Julius Caesar, the book was likely written during the reign of Nero.
So, if we start with Julius Caesar as number one; Augustus, number two; Tiberias, three; Caligula, four; Claudius, five; who's six? -- Nero. It would indicate that the book was written during the reign of Nero, which explains a ton of questions with respect to the internal significance of the content of this book.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 25:47
God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the heavens, making him the father of a great nation.
God took Abraham outside and pointed to the stars of the sky and said, "Abraham, your descendants will be as numerous as those stars in the heavens, and I will make you the father of a great nation."
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 7:38
God specifically promised Abraham that his heir would come from his own body, not from his servant.
No, no, no, Abraham. Your descendants will be from your own flesh. One from your own body will be your heir, not your servant, not Eliezer of Damascus, but you're going to have a son.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 8:11
God specifically promised that the son of promise would be conceived in the womb of Sarah.
The child that I spoke to you about years ago will be conceived in the womb of your wife, Sarah. She will bring forth the child.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 10:35
The speaker argues that people misinterpret the narrative of Abraham and Isaac by assuming Abraham would make a casual, deceitful promise to his servants.
Oh, again, how people love to read that. "See the faith of Abraham. He said, 'We're going to go, worship, and we will return to you.' Abraham knew that everything was going to turn out alright." Baloney! What do you think Abraham's going to say to the men?
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 37:39
It is crucial for new Christians to be grounded in God's Word and the Scriptures from the beginning.
I think it’s enormously important that when a person becomes a Christian, he gets grounded in God’s Word, rooted in the Scriptures.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 1:29
The people's destruction is attributed not to lack of resources or power, but specifically to a lack of knowledge of God.
Not for lack of food, not for lack of military power, but for lack of knowledge of me.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 10:38
If God is not Sovereign, then God is not truly God.
If God is not Sovereign, God is not God.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:00
Humans, in their unregenerate state, are incapable of choosing God or voting for Him on their own strength.
Because you, in your own strength, unregenerate, will never vote for God, ever.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 46:40
Unlike traditional fairy tales, the Bible speaks by establishing its content within history, beginning at the actual start.
But that's not how the Bible speaks. The Bible begins at the beginning, establishing its content in history.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 1:59
The Hebrew concept of history moves inexorably toward a determinate goal, which is the consummation of the kingdom of God.
But that, as I say, is on a collision course with the Hebrew concept of history, where we say there is a point of beginning, and that that movement of history is moving inexorably toward a determinate goal, towards the consummation of the kingdom of God, towards a destiny that our Creator has established from the foundation of this world.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 5:06
The serpent's question was a deliberate distortion of what God had actually said.
He comes with a question that is a deliberate distortion. He says, "Did God say that you cannot eat of any of the trees in the garden?" Now obviously, that's not what God had said.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 4:33
God has spoken audibly on multiple occasions, including announcing the sonship of Jesus.
Yes, the heavens had opened and God had spoken audibly from heaven, declaring, "This is My beloved Son."
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 16:40
The historical context of Jesus' life, including figures like Pilate, confirms the historical foundation of Christ's work.
And since Pilate is not simple a Jewish figure, but he is a known secular figure according to the annals of world history, this indicates the historical foundation to the work of Jesus.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 4:46
The New Testament shows that Jesus' death was not an accident but was instead part of God's overarching sovereign plan.
Yet the New Testament makes it abundantly clear that this event in world history was not an accident. But it is subsumed under the overarching sovereign purpose of God.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 6:49
Christ holds three primary roles: King, Priest, and Judge of the world.
So that Christ is our King, He is our Priest, and He is the Judge of the world.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 27:16
The destruction of the temple and the city of Jerusalem in AD 70 are considered literal historical events.
I don't know anyone who would argue that all of the Olivet Discourse is given in figurative, metaphorical language for the simple fact that the temple wasn't just figuratively destroyed in AD 70 and that Jerusalem wasn't simply figuratively devastated in AD 70, but both of these events transpired in literal fashion.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 6:46
The word 'nations' in the New Testament is used in two distinct ways: referring to Gentile nations, and also referring to the tribes of Israel.
the phrase or the word here 'nations' is used in two distinctly different ways in the New Testament. On the one hand, the word 'ethnoi' or nations is used on occasion to refer to Gentile nations. But also Israel, being composed of tribes was also referred to from time to time in the New Testament of the nations of Israel.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 12:50
When declaring that Jesus is our Lord, we are acknowledging that He is our Sovereign and has authority over us.
So that when we say that Jesus is our Lord, we say He is our Sovereign. He has authority over us. He’s not only our Savior, but He is our Sovereign.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 2:55
Christians should not flee from the kingdom when difficulties arise or when opposition increases.
Take heed to this, dear Christian, that you not be one who flees from the kingdom when the going gets rough, when the crowds begin to scream against you and against your Lord.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 3:44
The warning given by God to Adam and Eve was an 'if-then' construction, meaning the penalty would inevitably follow the action.
He said to them that "The day that you shall eat of it," what would happen? You shall die? "You shall surely die." He underlines that, puts emphasis on it. "If you eat of this tree, the penalty for that, the sanction that I'm putting around this activity is that if you eat you surely die." It's an if-then construction; if A, B will inevitably follow.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 2:22
Sin is fundamentally an act of treason against God's authority, challenging His right to rule.
But most of all, I challenge His right to rule, His right to govern, and that is treason.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 8:29
Genesis 3:15 foretells a conflict between the descendants of Eve and the serpent, culminating in the crushing of the serpent's head.
Between the descendents of Eve and the descendents of the serpent, there will be hostility, and then what? "And it," the descendent of Eve, "will bruise your head," speaking to the serpent, "and you shall bruise his heel."
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 15:07
Christians are called to a high standard of conduct, representing the King of kings, which is even higher than royal manners.
And we are children of the King of kings. And children of the King of kings are not to be rude. Children of the King of kings are not to be impolite, but we as Christians are called even to a higher ethic than the daughters of the Queen of England. We are called to supernatural royal manners.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 9:33
Imposing a temporary custom upon all people in every age is an act of violence against the people of God.
And yet at the same time, to take something that was only meant to be of temporary custom and impose it upon all people in every age is to do violence to the people of God, and it’s not easy to solve it.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 25:32
The first formal edition of the Bible, the canon of Holy Scripture, was produced by a man named Marcion.
until a man by the name of Marcion came along and produced the first formal edition of the Bible -- the first canon of Holy Scripture.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 17:03
The core mandate of Christianity is the ethical call to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
The bottom line of Christianity is that we are called to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. That's an ethical mandate.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 25:09
Because the Bible was written over many centuries by people in various cultures and locations, it presents the problem of cultural transposition even within its own text.
Remember that the Bible itself was written over hundreds and hundreds of years by people in different cultures and at different times and in different places, so even within Scripture, we have the problem of cultural transposition, don't we?
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 9:07
The relationship between the Logos and God in the beginning was one of intimate, face-to-face connection.
And so, what John is saying is that in the beginning, there was the logos, and the logos was pros God. Face to face. So close, so intimate, so narrowly connected that They could barely be distinguished. In fact, not only were They with each other, They were each other.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 2:55
The world has a beginning, which is evidence of its creaturely status, contrasting with God's eternal existence.
Because when it says, “In the beginning”, what it is saying is, that this world is not eternal. This world has a beginning. We have a beginning. Because having a beginning is the sign of the creature.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 3:06
Humanity is not naturally considered children of God; rather, this status is achieved through the act of adoption.
We are not by nature Children of God. The Scripture labors the point that by nature we are children of wrath. By nature we are children of Satan. But it’s by adoption that we are then regarded the children of God.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 16:07
God adopts believers into the royal family because of His love for Christ.
Because of his love for Christ, he has adopted us into the royal family, and has made us heirs with Christ, joint heirs with Christ, as God loves us because of Jesus.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 22:11
Sanctification is a lifelong process of growth and progress toward conforming to the image of Christ, which does not happen instantly.
Our lives should change, and we should be growing and progressing towards our conformity to the image of Christ, and that process and that progress that takes time is what we call "sanctification."
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:04
Humanity's identity is defined by God, who is the one who is sovereign.
We get our identity from being made in the image of God. God is not made in the image of man. He's the one who is sovereign, we are not. Our humanity is defined by him.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:45
Christians are called to be witnesses to the kingdom of Jesus Christ in all parts of the earth.
The last mandate that Jesus gave before He left this planet was “You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the uttermost parts of the earth.”
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:00
God's promise to Abraham was that he would have descendants so numerous they could not be counted.
You're going to have a son, Abraham. And not only are you going to have a son, but you're going to have descendants that you will never be able to number. How do you like that?
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 7:33
Believing in Jesus, which involves trusting Him, is the means by which one is counted righteous and enters the kingdom of God.
if we believe in Jesus, in the sense in trusting Him, it is also counted to us for righteousness. That's how we enter the kingdom of God. That's what it means to be a Christian.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 10:23
The United States was initially formed as a theistic nation, not officially as a Christian nation.
In other words, ladies and gentlemen, United States as a government and as a state was not formulated officially as a Christian nation, but it was formed initially officially as a theistic nation.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 14:16
Individuals who do not receive and trust in Christ will face the curse of God.
And I ask you to think about that, to think about what it would be like for you to be cursed of God, which indeed you will be if you do not receive and trust in the One who has taken that curse for you.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 1:48
The Bible foretells an ultimate conflict between good and evil involving the descendants of Eve and the serpent.
He describes a future conflict between a descendant of Eve and the descendants of the serpent. It is the ultimate conflict between good and evil.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:00
People often forget the vast span of history in the Old Testament, making it seem like events happened simultaneously.
we often forget that literally hundreds and hundreds of years of history are compressed in those books. They are telescoped together, and we forget that centuries are taking place between Abraham and David and between David and Amos and between Amos and Jesus.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 11:27
Modern people often live as if God is remote and absent from their lives, even though God has promised to be present.
We, like Jacob, live as if God were remote and removed from our lives, but God Himself has promised to be in this place and we don't know it.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 23:17
The use of round numbers in Scripture, such as reporting crowds, is appropriate and does not imply mathematical precision.
The Bible is given to round numbers when it describes crowds. You know, five thousand people were there on the day that Jesus fed people from fishes and loaves; does that mean that one of the disciples went around with a pocket calculator and carefully marked off every single person that was in attendance, and just isn't it wonderful that it came to exactly five thousand right on the number, or was that a round number crowd estimate?
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 10:30
Believers are predestined to be adopted into the family of God through Christ.
listen in verse 5, "having predestined us here now" to what? "Adoption." We are predestined to be adopted into the family of God.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 5:57
If one does not know their goal or destination, they will waste effort and wander aimlessly.
because if you don't know where you're going, if you don't know what your goal is, you will spin your wheels and wander in circles.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 2:30
The essence of the Christian life is the seeking of what is most important, which is the kingdom of God.
What Jesus is saying here is, "Seek above all else, first and foremost, I want you to seek something," that the essence of the Christian life is the seeking that which is most important.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 20:01
Christians live in an absolute monarchy ruled by a King, which contrasts with modern democratic tendencies.
But, beloved, if you are a Christian, you live in a monarchy. And, it's not even a constitutional monarchy; it is an absolute monarchy, and that monarchy is ruled by a King.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 29:26
The core message of Jesus' teaching, summarized by Luther, is to seek the Kingdom of God first.
For Luther, Coram Deo meant to live your life before the face of God, in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God. But, you see, all that is is Luther's summation of Jesus' statement of the big idea, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything else will be added unto you."
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 29:26
American culture is overly obsessed with tales of kings and queens, which is reflected in both modern media and historical interest.
People, particularly women, stay up half the night to watch the ceremony. The biggest news item of interest in the paper is what's going on with Princess Di and the other one, whatever her name is, you know, in the royal family. You know, we seem to be completely obsessed with tales and stories of kings and queens and princesses and princes.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 33:06
The Merry Men's happiness and morale were sustained by their devotion to their absent king.
And, even though their king was absent, and even though the king's right to rule was being challenged and denied by other people, and even by the rest of the citizens of the land were quick to betray the king and embrace the usurper, Robin and his Merrie Men would sit around the campfire and sing hymns of praise to their absent king.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 38:41
The Christian life is likened to the legend of Robin Hood, where followers remain loyal to the King even when He is absent.
I love that story because, for me, that simple legend of Robin Hood captures the essence of the Christian life, because as we seek the kingdom of God first, we know that our King is absent.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 41:35
Unlike the story of Robin Hood, Christ's return will be visible and glorious, compelling all people, including enemies, to acknowledge His kingship.
But while the King is absent, they see their duty as remaining loyal to their King and bearing witness to the reality of His kingship. And they pursue the matters of His kingdom while He is absent from them. But therein, of course, the analogy with the great story of Robin Hood breaks down, because when our King returns, beloved, He won't come disguised as a monk. He already did that. The first time the King came, He came incognito. He snuck back into the land. But the next time He comes, He will come in the fullness of glory, with the trumpets of royal procession blaring in heaven, and every eye will behold Him, and every knee will bow, not simply those who have been loyal to Him who will bow willingly coming to their knees, saying, "My Liege, my Lord, my God." But, even his enemies, we are told will bow when He appears, if for no other reason than He will break their knees with a rod of iron, giving them no option but to bow.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 42:30
Believers must live a life dedicated to God's kingdom and righteousness, prioritizing it above all else.
That's the big idea—to live Coram Deo, to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything else will be added unto you.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 44:08
The Council of Chalcedon established the boundaries for understanding the person of Christ, and subsequent councils have not significantly improved upon these boundaries.
I haven't seen anything in church history that really goes beyond or improves upon the boundaries that are established for our reflection at the Council of Chalcedon.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 14:28
The painting depicts Jeremiah holding the Word of God close to his chest, even while his city is burning.
He’s resting upon the Bible, and he’s trying to hold this Word of God tightly to his bosom, while behind him, Jerusalem is in flames.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 2:34
Jeremiah lived by the Word of God even when his own land was being destroyed.
Jeremiah, lived on the basis of the Word of God in the midst of the moment where his own land was being destroyed.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:00
The use of 'we' or 'those of us' by Paul does not necessarily mean that he expected to be alive when the prophecies would be fulfilled.
Now, notice that this is not a statement whereby Paul says I will be alive explicitly and concretely. But rather he just says in passing, those of us who are alive at that time, and here in 1 Corinthians, "We shall be changed," and so on, does not necessarily mean that the Apostle expected that he would be alive when these prophecies would be fulfilled.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 9:44
Believers are set apart and called to be citizens of the city of God, not conforming to the city of man.
We have been consecrated and set apart to be a transformed people, to live in a transformed society, to be a transformed nation, to be a transformed city, to be citizens of the city of God.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 3:48
If God were in a state of existence, He would be undergoing mutations and would not be immutable.
If He were in a state of existence He would be undergoing mutations. He would be changing. He would not be immutable. He would not be the God that we believe in.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 11:45
The term 'Adonai' means 'the sovereign one,' and the Old Testament verse suggests that the supreme sovereign is Adonai.
Now the meaning of the term "Adonai" simply is this: the sovereign one.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 11:30
Historically, when the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne, marched into battle, the Jewish soldiers were always victorious.
Whenever God's throne marched into battle, the Jewish soldiers were always victorious.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 4:48
The Philistines brought the captured ark of the covenant into the temple of their chief deity, Dagon, placing the throne of God at Dagon's feet.
And when they took the ark of the covenant into the temple of Dagon, they set the throne of God, of Yahweh, at the feet of the statue of Dagon,
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 11:37
God uses plagues and natural disasters to demonstrate His power and compel the people to recognize His authority.
And everywhere the ark of the covenant went, the plague of tumors broke out, and the plague of rats broke out, until the kings of the Philistines had all of this stuff that they could stand
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 15:00
The kingdom of God must be understood through the lens of apocalyptic eschatology, not merely as a gradual ethical or social development.
But when Schweitzer talked about an eschatological kingdom he meant a kingdom that comes not by a gradual evolutionary, this-worldly progressive development of ethics and so on as the nineteenth century liberals were want to describe it, but that this kingdom that Jesus spoke about that was coming would come catastrophically, suddenly, supernaturally, coming transcendentally from above, that the kingdom was something that God would bring from heaven intruding into the normal process and progress of history.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 6:02
The New Testament must be understood by recognizing that the kingdom of God has already come in large measure, but a final consummation still remains.
But yet there still remains at the end of time the final consummation of that kingdom which has not -- which has come not yet, 'nog niet.'
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 23:15
God does not invite people to Jesus; rather, He commands it and warns of cosmic consequences for refusal.
God never invites people to come to Jesus. He commands it. And, convicts you of treason at a cosmic level if you refuse.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:00
God's authority is established over the rulers of the world, who are planning to overthrow Him.
But those who were invested with earthly authority are taking counsel together with one another to plan away, to rid the universe of the authority of God.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:45
God responds to the collective rebellion of humanity with derisive laughter, demonstrating His absolute power.
God looks down at all these assembled powers and the nuclear armaments pointed in His direction, and it says the Lord sits in His heaven—and does what? Trembles in fear? No, it says that the Lord sits in His heaven and laughs (Ps. 2:4).
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 1:20
God has installed His Son on the throne and given Him all authority over heaven and earth, demanding universal submission.
What God is saying is: “Here, hey, look, I rule the universe. I have installed My Son on this throne. I have given Him all authority on heaven and earth. You bow down to Him.”
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 2:59
The Bible does not describe Satan as a buffoon in a red suit, but rather gives his first introduction in the Old Testament.
Now certainly a cursory reading of the Scriptures shows you that Satan is nowhere described as a buffoon in a red suit. On the contrary, his first introduction in the Old Testament is how?
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 16:18
The elect are called in a specific manner, which is linked to God foreknowing them.
The elect are called in a specific manner, and we see that right in the same context of this text where the apostle Paul says that all things work together for good for those who love God and are the called according to his purpose. Then in his next breath, what does he say? “For whom he foreknew, he also
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 11:30
The famine was the necessary event that caused the Israelites to move from Canaan to Egypt.
And we ask this question, "How did the Jews ever get into Egypt in the first place?" I mean, the story of the Bible starts out there with Abraham up there in Ur of the Chaldees, and God calls him out of there and takes him to this promised land, and they finally come into the land of Canaan, and the patriarchs are there. How did the Jews ever get from Canaan to Egypt so there could be an Exodus in the first place? Well, it all had to do with this famine that Joseph was preparing to endure.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 13:30
Joseph feigned anger and accused the Israelites of being spies in order to test them and gather information about their family members.
And so, he puts them to a test. He asks them, sort of indirectly, about their background, and so he's able to get answers to his questions about whether his father is still alive and whether his real brother Benjamin is alive because they didn't bring Benjamin with them.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 11:07
Human history is controlled by a God who pays attention to even the smallest details.
And in this story, we see sovereignty. We see that human history is in the hands of the God who is concerned about the smallest details.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 26:50
Christians who refuse to teach their children are abandoning their responsibilities.
When I hear Christians, professed Christians say, “Well, I’m not going to teach my children everything. I want them to decide for themselves,” and they abdicate their responsibility as Christians, now that terrifies me.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 1:44
Satan's primary method of destroying Christ's work is to paralyze the people of God or bring them to ruins through scandal.
Another thing is simply to paralyze the people of God so that their influence is next to nothing. Now I want to look then, if we can, at an example of this activity of satanic accusation that we find in the Old Testament in your favorite book, the book of Zechariah.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 5:29
Jesus will reject those who claim to be associated with Him by stating that He does not know them, despite their claims.
I will say to them: ‘Please leave. I don’t know who you are. I don’t know your name. Depart from Me, you workers of iniquity.’
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 6:03
The Constitution exists to protect individual and minority rights against potential tyranny by a majority.
That's why we have a constitution to protect individual and minority rights against a potential tyranny by a majority.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 13:13
Luther's decision to abandon his promising legal career and enter the monastery was driven not by the lightning bolt, but by the wrath of his father.
If ever Luther needed the help of St. Anne, it wasn't to escape the threat of the lightning bolt, but rather the wrath of his father Hans.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 7:26
Sin is fundamentally an act of rebellion where humanity attempts to declare its independence from God's rule.
It is an act by which we rise up against the Righteous One, and declare our independence, our autonomy over the one who rules by His law.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:00
A more logical inference from the Genesis passage is that 'sons of God' refers to the descendants of Seth, and 'daughters of men' refers to the descendants of Cain.
a more logical, I think, inference from that passage is, we see traced in the earlier chapters of Genesis two lines of descendents; there are the descendents of Cain and the descendents of Seth, and if you read the line from Seth, it brings us down to Noah. And those who are mentioned in that catalog of people, for the most part, are godly, righteous, heroic people. But the line who descend from Cain reads like a rogue's gallery, one vicious sinner after another, and it's very possible, as many commentators suggest, that the designation, "sons of God," refer to the descendents of Seth and that the "daughters of men" refer to the descendents of Cain, so that the godly line and the ungodly line intermarried and thereby the whole world fell into corruption, which was manifested at the time of Noah.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 12:13
The word 'lord' can be used in the Bible either to refer to Jesus' kingly position or simply as a polite form of address.
The word, "lord," sometimes in the Bible refers to Jesus' kingly position at the right hand of God, the highest title we can give to Him. There are other times when the title, "lord," is used as a simple form of polite address just like we use the English word, "sir," or "mister,"
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 23:16
Paul uses the story of Jacob and Esau to illustrate that God's purposes are not based on what people do or will do, but on His sovereign decision.
And the point that the apostle labors here is that this decision is not with a view to anything that they had done or would do. The point is is the decision is not only made prior to their birth, that would be manifestly obvious, but what Paul labors here is that it is not with a view to their doing any good or evil, but Paul uses this illustration to show that the purposes of God might stand.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 6:11
The purposes of God do not rest on human effort but solely on God's gracious sovereign decision.
So that it does not rest on us, but it rests solely on the gracious sovereign decision of God.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 6:44
Jesus made a statement to his contemporaries that some of them would not die until the Son of Man came into His kingdom.
Some of you will not taste death until the Son of Man comes into His kingdom.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 17:59
The Kingdom of God is located 'among' people, not 'within' them.
Jesus doesn’t say, “The kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus says, “The kingdom of God is among you.”
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:00
The Pharisees were a group that emerged after the exile and the return from exile, adopting pagan practices and forgetting Israel's traditions.
The Pharisees, as a party in Israel, emerged after the exile and the return from exile. Well what had happened was that the new generation of Israelite people began to adopt the pagan practices of those who were now in place, and they forgot their traditions.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 9:18
The New Testament emphasizes the importance of Christians obeying civil magistrates, which is also a priority in the teachings of Jesus.
Notice how that is a theme that comes through the writings of Peter, the writings of Paul: bending over backwards. Obey the civil magistrates that Christ might be honored. Pay your taxes. Live at peace with the civil magistrates. Pray for the king. Pray for the princes. And in the teaching of Jesus, it’s almost a priority of Christian behavior that we’d be models of civil obedience.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:54
The primary cause of conflict between early Christians and the Roman government was the government's development into an imperial religious cult.
They got into trouble because Caesar and the Roman government developed into an imperial religious cult. And in many cases, the emperor was deified.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:00
The statue 'The Thinker' does not depict thinking as a state of casual relaxation.
we notice that in the stance or the posture of "The Thinker" that you see that Rodin has not represented the thinker in a posture of casual relaxation. He doesn't have him looking like a couch potato with his feet crossed and he's lounging just sort of half ready to fall asleep.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 5:37
David asks God to open his lips so that his speech and song can proclaim God's greatness.
And he said, "Oh Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall show forth your praise." And He's asking God to open his lips. "Give me the possibility to speak, and my speech and my song will be about your greatness."
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 6:06
The Roman conquest of Palestine involved systematically besieging and conquering towns and villages en route to Jerusalem.
But what happened was when the Romans invaded they came into Palestine and systematically besieged and conquered town after town after town and village after village as they made their way to the chief citadel of Jewish strength, which was, of course, in Jerusalem.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 8:03
The walls of Jerusalem were massive and could withstand assaults from various weapons, including catapulted stones and battering rams.
and the walls were so thick that they were able to withstand this assault of huge boulders being thrown against it as well as the battering rams for a long, long time.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 15:59
The Mount of Olives was once a dense forest of olive trees, but the Romans systematically cut them down during the siege.
If you go over there today you won't see a single olive tree on the Mount of Olives, and that's because during the siege that lasted so long the Romans systematically cut down every single tree on that hillside and used the wood for firewood to keep warm.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 21:04
Sin is not a minor or inconsequential matter, but rather an act of cosmic treason and rebellion against God's authority.
When I sin I am challenging the authority, the dignity, the holiness, the power of God. I am setting myself up as a law unto myself and that’s serious business.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 0:00
Scripture consistently portrays Jesus as the Judge who is seated at the right hand of God.
Every time Jesus talks about the Son of Man, He talks about Him as the Judge. And He talks about being seated at the right hand of God.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 1:33
Sproul believes that Arminianism is detrimental to Christianity in the long run.
Never mind that the majority report of evangelicals is Arminian. I'm not, and I think Arminianism is death to Christianity in the final analysis.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 23:33
Every Christian will eventually face a test in their life that resembles the Mount Moriah experience.
I don't think there's ever been a Christian who hasn't been called at some point in his Christian life to some kind of Mount Moriah experience where God puts us to the test.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 27:14
Jesus taught that every human being will eventually be called before God's tribunal, where every word and action will be judged.
Jesus -- if Jesus of Nazareth taught anything, He taught repeatedly that some day every human being would be called before the tribunal of God -- that every one of us will have to give an account before the holy creator of heaven and earth, and Jesus says that on that day every idle word that we have ever spoke will be brought into the judgment, that everything that we've ever done, everything that we've ever said, every promise we've ever made and broken, every blasphemous statement that's come from our mouth, every slanderous word that we've made towards our neighbor will be brought up on the table.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 18:43
A king is appointed as a deputy king under Yahweh's reign and must act as a regent, meaning his behavior should reflect God's righteous reign.
He is appointed as a deputy king under the reign of Yahweh and his duty is to act in such a way as a regent, to say, "The way I behave is the way God behaves."
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 3:05
In the twentieth century, candidates for the Antichrist included military leaders such as Joseph Stalin, Mussolini, and Adolph Hitler.
In the twentieth century some of the candidates for identification of antichrist have been Joseph Stalin, and Mussolini, because if you translate the title of Mussolini El Duche in a certain way you can come up with the number 666, and obviously the most popular candidate in the twentieth century has been Adolph Hitler, because of his devastating destruction of the Jewish people and of his unprecedented wickedness.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 8:03
Some variant manuscripts of Revelation contain a textual variant regarding the number, listing 616 instead of 666.
oddly in some variant manuscripts that go way back in history of the book of Revelation there is a textual variant in this verse so that the number that is listed there is not the number 666 but it is the number 616.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 17:16
Ancient cultures, specifically Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, all utilized systems of relating letters to numbers in cryptograms.
Now, in the three major language groups that we're concerned about here in antiquity, namely, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, all three of them had systems of using their letters for numbers. So that all three languages were used in cryptogramatical ways.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 19:16
Entering into union with Christ means being mystically joined to the whole body of Christ, including the past, present, and future.
And when I enter into union with Christ, I enter union with the whole body of Christ, the past as well as the present. And will be of course united in the future.
Source: R.C. Sproul @ 27:11
Believers must live by God's promises and remember that the Lord does not forget.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, it’s one thing to believe in God, it’s another thing to believe Him—to believe what He says, to believe His promises, and live not by the allure of this world, but by the promises of God, knowing that the Lord does not forget.
Source: The Angel & Zacharias (Part 1) (Ligonier)
Angels play a significant and recurring role throughout the New Testament, appearing in various key events.
I mentioned also that the word “angel” or angelos occurs more often in the New Testament than the word for sin or the word for love. This is not simply a peripheral matter for the biblical accounts we have, for angels play a significant role throughout the New Testament, not only here with the annunciation to Zacharias, but shortly thereafter, the annunciation by the same angel to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Source: The Angel & Zacharias (Part 2) (Ligonier)
John will be an instrument of God to change the hardened hearts of the people and prepare them for the Lord.
John is going to change that, and he will be the instrument of God to change these things. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before God in the spirit and the power of Elijah.
Source: The Angel & Zacharias (Part 2) (Ligonier)
The disciples viewed the kingdom strictly in terms of earthly, national boundaries restricted to Israel.
The disciples were still thinking of the kingdom strictly in terms of earthly, national boundaries, restricted to the borders of Israel itself.
Source: The Ascension (Ligonier)
The Messiah would establish a kingdom that would be spiritual but also have manifest implications for the world.
The greater Son of David would initiate a kingdom that would have no end, that would be spiritual but at the same time have manifest implications for this world.
Source: The Ascension (Ligonier)
Christ currently reigns as the King of kings and the Lord of lords in Heaven.
The Lord Jesus reigns right now as the King of kings and the Lord of lords in Heaven.
Source: The Ascension (Ligonier)
The church's immediate mission is to bear witness to Christ's present reign and rule.
The mission of the church, the reason we exist, is to bear witness to the present reign and rule of Christ, who is at the right hand of God.
Source: The Ascension (Ligonier)
The eternal High Priest (Melchizedek) holds an office that is permanent and cannot be limited or abdicated.
He met the eternal High Priest, who is High Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, who will never retire, who will never abdicate His office, who will never leave His office by dying as all the lines of high priests in Israel had, one after another.
Source: A Basket Case (Ligonier)
Worship should be determined by understanding who God and Jesus are, rather than by human preference or cultural trends.
The big question today is the “who” question: Who do we worship. Who we worship defines how we worship.
Source: A Basket Case (Ligonier)
The speaker asserts that the principal oppressors of the poor in the Old Testament were governmental powers, not necessarily the merchant class.
The principal oppressors in view were governments. They were kings like Ahab, who confiscated Naboth’s vineyard, or other kings who enslaved their people, like Pharaoh.
Source: The Beatitudes (Ligonier)
God blesses those who voluntarily give up the pursuit of wealth to serve Christ or the kingdom of God.
God’s blessing is poured out on all those who forsake riches voluntarily for the sake of the kingdom of God.
Source: The Beatitudes (Ligonier)
All Christians are obligated to be diligent and active in their concern for the kingdom of God.
Context: Referring to Jonathan Edwards' teaching.
But Edwards says that we are all to be busy and diligent in our concern for the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God cannot be a secondary interest for a true Christian.
Source: Behave Like a Christian (Part 1) (Ligonier)
God commanded the Israelites to remember their origins and show hospitality to strangers when given the land.
When God gave the land to the Jews, He said to them: “Don’t forget where you came from. Don’t forget your roots. Show hospitality to the stranger in your gates. Open your home and your heart to those around you.”
Source: Behave Like a Christian (Part 1) (Ligonier)
When commanded not to set one's mind on high things, the Apostle is actually calling believers to focus their attention on the lofty principles of the kingdom of God.
He is calling us to focus our attention on the lofty principles of the kingdom of God, on those things that are pure, and on what has been accomplished for us by Jesus. Those are high, lofty, and holy matters.
Source: Behave Like a Christian (Part 2) (Ligonier)
Christian affection should be distributed to the entire body of Christ, not restricted to a small group or clique.
our affections should be distributed to the whole body of Christ.
Source: Behave Like a Christian (Part 2) (Ligonier)
The ultimate enemy that the Messiah will conquer is not merely a political foe, but the prince of darkness and all his minions, along with the curse of death and darkness.
Rather, the ultimate enemy, who will be crushed by the Horn of Salvation who visits us, is the prince of darkness and all his minions and his allies, along with his ploys that are part of the curse: death, darkness, disease, and everything that puts a shadow over the joy of human life.
Source: The Benedictus (Part 2) (Ligonier)
God cannot lie because lying would mean ceasing to be God.
For God to lie would be for God to stop being God altogether.
Source: The Benedictus (Part 2) (Ligonier)
Every Christian must live aware that they are living before God, under His authority, and for His glory.
It means that every Christian is to live his or her life aware that he or she is living before the face of God, in His presence, under His authority, to His glory, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.
Source: The Benedictus (Part 2) (Ligonier)
Before reconciliation with God can occur, there must first be a state of estrangement.
Before reconciliation can take place, there first must be estrangement. People who aren’t estranged don’t ever need to be reconciled.
Source: The Benedictus (Part 3) (Ligonier)
God Almighty eternally predestined Judas' action, meaning the event was planned from eternity and decreed by God.
From the overarching, supernatural view, God Almighty eternally predestined Judas to carry out this act. If anything would seem to excuse him, it would be God’s sovereign activity in this entire drama.
Source: Betrayed (Ligonier)
Luke's narrative is set within the context of real historical events involving Roman emperors and governors.
So, Luke sets his narrative squarely in the context of real history: “And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.”
Source: The Birth of Jesus (Ligonier)
Jesus Christ is described as the ultimate King who rules over all other earthly and eternal kings.
The second king sits not on a throne but wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in the manger. This little King is the King of kings. He rules over the king in Rome.
Source: The Birth of Jesus (Ligonier)
God's eternal decree dictates the timing and purpose of Christ's coming, even when earthly events (like the census) are the immediate backdrop.
This decree is done in obedience to a much earlier decree, even in eternity, when God decreed that His Son would come into this world to do His work of redemption for His people.
Source: The Birth of Jesus (Ligonier)
The birth of Jesus fulfilled the prophecy that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem.
Centuries before, Micah announced: “Thou Bethlehem Ephrathah, though thou be small among the princes of Judah, yet out of you will come the One whom God has anointed” (Mic. 5:2). In fulfillment of this, the day came for her to deliver, and she brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.
Source: The Birth of Jesus (Ligonier)
The birth of the Savior/Messiah is a significant event that must be observed.
Don’t be afraid, for this is the birth-day of the One who will save you. This is the day your Savior is born. Not only is He the Savior, but He is Christ the Lord.
Source: The Birth of Jesus (Ligonier)
The practice of naming a child after a relative was merely a tradition or custom, not a principle required by God.
It was the custom of the people that a child would be named after one of the relatives in the family. That was not a principle required by God. Rather, it was a tradition that grew up over the centuries, and it became what we call a custom.
Source: The Birth of John the Baptist (Ligonier)
The ultimate spiritual need is inheriting the kingdom of God, which is more important than any physical or temporary desire.
What if he received his sight but died and went to hell? What if he met Jesus and had his vision restored, but missed the kingdom? The man we looked at last week was the rich young ruler. He at least was looking for the right thing, inheriting the kingdom of God, but he was too committed to his idols to receive that legacy.
Source: The Blind Man (Ligonier)
Boasting has no place in the kingdom of God, and believers should boast only in the Lord's righteousness and grace.
Paul says in verse 27: “Where is boasting? It is excluded.” In other words, take your boasting and park it in the parking lot, because it has no place in the kingdom of God.
Source: Boasting Excluded (Ligonier)
God's domain is universal, encompassing not only the church but also the pagan world.
If you conceive of a god whose domain is simply the church and not the pagan world, then you are not thinking of the God of Christianity.
Source: Boasting Excluded (Ligonier)
Calling Jesus 'Lord' implies acknowledging His authority and submitting to His kingship, and failing to obey His commands constitutes lawlessness.
When you say “Lord,” you are effectively saying, “You are my authority. I submit to Your Kingship. I acknowledge that You are sovereign over me and that I am obligated to do whatever you command me.”
Source: Build on the Rock (Ligonier)
God established a system of taxation, specifically the tithe, to support the religious and educational life of the people in Israel.
God imposed a tax, as it were, upon His church in Israel. It was called a tithe, and every Jew was required to bring of his first fruits ten percent of his yield, ten percent of his gross income.
Source: The Call of Levi (Ligonier)
In God's order, taxation should not be progressive or involve class warfare, and governments must be responsible to God.
There is no progressive tax. There is no class warfare. There is no politicization of the economy in God’s order of things. Government is established by God and is responsible to God to seek the welfare of the people and do its diligence concerning righteousness, safety, peace, and justice.
Source: The Call of Levi (Ligonier)
Historically, large governments have misused the tax system to sustain overly large central governments and achieve global domination.
Every one of them used the tax system to bleed their people and subjects out of every dime they could to sustain a larger central government.
Source: The Call of Levi (Ligonier)
All possessions and gifts are ultimately owned by God.
What can be simpler than to know that everything we have belongs to God and comes from His hand, every good and perfect gift we get from Him?
Source: The Call of Levi (Ligonier)
Paul's approach when speaking in the synagogue was to connect the Old Testament promises to the reign of David.
I have said before that when Paul comes into the synagogue, his approach is to reach back into the pages of the Old Testament, back to the promises God made to Abraham and to the exodus led by Moses. Then he brings his listeners to a pivotal point in Jewish history—the reign of David.
Source: Christ and David (Ligonier)
All descendants of Adam and Eve are born into a state of spiritual death and moral corruption.
All the progeny of Adam and Eve are born in a state of spiritual death and moral corruption.
Source: Christ in Our Place (Ligonier)
The book of Acts 10 is crucial because it reveals the mystery that Christ's kingdom includes the Gentiles in full membership.
I mentioned that this chapter is one of the most important chapters in all of Scripture because it sets forth the unveiling of the mystery that had been hidden for centuries and generations, the mystery that Christ now includes the gentiles in full membership in the kingdom of God.
Source: Cornelius' Household (Ligonier)
Committing one's life to Christ means giving up autonomy and living under His lordship.
to give your life to Christ in this world is a throwaway life. You have just thrown your life away because you are not your own anymore. You are not autonomous anymore.
Source: The Cost of Discipleship (Ligonier)
Simon's act of carrying the cross did not earn him any merit before God, and no good work could cause him to enter the kingdom of God.
Ladies and gentlemen, I do not think that Simon’s act of bearing the cross for Jesus earned him one scintilla of merit before God. There was no good work enough to cause Simon of Cyrene to enter the kingdom of God.
Source: The Crucifixion (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The wrath of Almighty God will affect all people, regardless of their status or power.
Don’t cry for Me, because the wrath of almighty God will come on kings, on generals, on the rich, on the powerful, on the slave, and on the free. You’ll all run and scurry and hide yourselves in caves.
Source: The Crucifixion (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The rhetorical question about who can stand before God's wrath implies that no one can stand.
The question is clearly rhetorical. Who can stand? The answer is manifestly obvious: no one can stand.
Source: The Crucifixion (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The speaker interprets Jesus' statement about 'green wood' and 'dry wood' to mean that the current generation is like dry wood, facing judgment.
Our wood is dry. Jesus was saying, “If God takes Me and exposes Me to his wrath, what will He do to you?” We are the dry wood.
Source: The Crucifixion (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The Christian life should be characterized by joy, and there is no place for misery or dourness in the kingdom of God.
Do you understand that the Christian life is to be, from beginning to end, a life of joy? We have much to be happy about. There is no room for the sourpuss in the kingdom of God. There is nothing dour about our redemption.
Source: Death in Adam, Life in Christ (Ligonier)
Christ is presented as the new representative who lives a life of perfect obedience for the sake of God's people.
This is Paul’s premise when he turns our attention away from Adam and the destruction he brings to the world to the new Adam, the new representative who does not succumb to the enticements of the serpent but lives a life of perfect obedience.
Source: Death in Adam, Life in Christ (Ligonier)
When borders are restricted for the transport of goods and services, it often generates intense public anger that can escalate into war.
But when borders are stopped for the transport of goods and services, that will often produce the kind of rage we read about in our text, and that can escalate into full-blown war.
Source: The Death of Herod (Ligonier)
God has a pattern of taking individuals from powerful or prominent households to elevate them for His purposes.
God took Moses from the household of Pharaoh and exalted him in His sight. God took from the very house of Herod Antipas his foster brother Manaen and made him a leader of the Apostolic church in Antioch.
Source: The Death of Herod (Ligonier)
Jesus predicted that the city and the temple would be destroyed, and the Jewish people would be dispersed until a specific point in time.
Jesus was saying: “The city will be destroyed. The temple will be destroyed. The Jewish people will be sent into dispersion throughout all the world until a point in time where that vengeance will end.”
Source: The Destruction of Jerusalem (Ligonier)
The calling to preach the kingdom of God is considered a calling of such high importance that it supersedes even the traditional Jewish requirement of burying a father.
For Jesus to call somebody not to go home and bury their father would require a calling so high, so holy, and so important that it would make the burial of your own father pale into insignificance.
Source: Discipleship (Ligonier)
Christ's purpose is not to bring peace, but rather division.
Jesus said: “No. If you suppose that, it is an improper supposition. I tell you, not at all. Peace is not My purpose, but rather, division.”
Source: The Dividing Christ (Ligonier)
Christ's presence will divide all of human history.
He was saying, “All human history will be divided by Me.”
Source: The Dividing Christ (Ligonier)
People must prepare for judgment and cannot delay dealing with Christ.
Do not wait until the last judgment to come to Him. If you do, it will be too late, and the Judge of all the earth will hand you over to judgment. You will not get out until you pay the last cent, which means you will never get out, because we are all debtors who cannot pay our debts.
Source: The Dividing Christ (Ligonier)
The Babylonian monarchy attempted to assimilate the Jewish people by cutting them off from their roots and forcing them into their culture.
It was the intent of the Babylonian monarchy to deconstruct the people they brought into their culture and to assimilate them by cutting them off from their roots, trying to “Babylonianize” them, as it were.
Source: Do Not Cause Another To Stumble (Ligonier)
God's character is immutable, meaning it never changes.
We would say with the church of all ages that one attribute of God that can never be negotiated is His immutability. He does not change.
Source: Do Not Cause Another To Stumble (Ligonier)
A peace that avoids conflict or debates is false, whereas the kingdom of God is founded on righteousness and godly peace.
That is what Luther called a “carnal” peace. It is a peace born of the flesh, a peace born out of fear of conflict, a peace born out of cowardice. But on the other hand, we are not to be bellicose people who are looking for a fight, contentious over every minor point, and wanting to fight and divide the church over the drop of a hat.
Source: Do Not Cause Another To Stumble (Ligonier)
The core focus of the kingdom of God is not minor disputes or rules, but rather loving God and loving those for whom Christ died.
The kingdom of God is about joy, the joy that has been shed abroad in our hearts because we have been redeemed by the Lord our God. Why would we be glum and fuss over who eats meat and who drinks wine? That is not what the kingdom of God is about, Paul is saying. It is about loving the things of God and loving those for whom Christ died.
Source: Do Not Cause Another To Stumble (Ligonier)
God's giving of the kingdom is an act of comfort and pleasure for the Father, not a threat or rebuke.
He was not yelling at us in this text. He was not rebuking us. He was comforting us. Jesus said: “Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Source: The End of Anxiety (Ligonier)
A person's heart and treasure will naturally follow their primary investment, whether that is the kingdom of God or worldly riches.
If your number one investment is the kingdom of God, that is where your heart will be. If your number one investment is the accumulation of riches, that is where your heart will be.
Source: The End of Anxiety (Ligonier)
Believers should prioritize placing their heart and treasure with the kingdom of God to achieve freedom from fear.
Put your heart and your treasure with the kingdom of God. When we do that, we will have nothing to fear.
Source: The End of Anxiety (Ligonier)
Paul's warning to the people in Antioch was a serious caution that they needed to be aware of a negative consequence resulting from their presence.
He is saying to his listeners: “Be very careful. Watch out for something. There is a negative consequence that could result from your being here today that you need to be aware of.”
Source: Eternal Appointment (Ligonier)
The Ethiopian eunuch was a man of great authority under the Queen of Ethiopia, suggesting a high position in the Ethiopian court.
In this case, we are told that the Ethiopian eunuch was a man of great authority under Candace the Queen of Ethiopia.
Source: The Ethiopian Eunuch (Ligonier)
The chariot the eunuch was in was not a fast, racing vehicle, but rather resembled a covered wagon or stagecoach.
Luke mentions the term “chariot,” but do not picture the Ethiopian eunuch driving down the road to Gaza at breakneck speed, the reins in his hands with his team of horses pulling his chariot on two wheels like Ben Hur racing around the Circus Maximus. That is not the kind of chariot he was in.
Source: The Ethiopian Eunuch (Ligonier)
The chariot mentioned in the text was not a fast, racing vehicle, but rather a covered wagon or stagecoach.
Luke mentions the term “chariot,” but do not picture the Ethiopian eunuch driving down the road to Gaza at breakneck speed, the reins in his hands with his team of horses pulling his chariot on two wheels like Ben Hur racing around the Circus Maximus. That is not the kind of chariot he was in. He had an entire entourage with him, and it was more like a covered wagon or stagecoach being drawn along the desert road.
Source: The Ethiopian Eunuch (Ligonier)
Justification is a completed action that occurs in the past the moment one believes in Jesus Christ.
The moment you believe in Jesus, the second you put your trust in Him, God declares you just, once and for all. “Having been justified” refers to an action that is in the past. It is accomplished.
Source: Faith Triumphs in Trouble (Part 1) (Ligonier)
Humanity is currently engaged in a massive, cosmic war against God.
They do not realize that at this very moment, the vast majority of humanity is engaged in a war of cosmic proportions. Here are the enemies: God and people.
Source: Faith Triumphs in Trouble (Part 2) (Ligonier)
Once peace is established with God through Christ, that peace is permanent and eternal.
But once we have peace with God through the work of Jesus Christ, that peace is ours forever.
Source: Faith Triumphs in Trouble (Part 2) (Ligonier)
Redemption grants humanity unlimited access to God, which was lost through the first transgression.
Adam and Eve’s greatest delight was when God walked in the cool of the garden with them. They rushed to commune with Him, until that communion was totally ruined by the first transgression.
Source: Faith Triumphs in Trouble (Part 2) (Ligonier)
Believers must remain constantly prepared and alert, like servants waiting for their master's return, so they can respond immediately when Christ comes.
Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.
Source: The Faithful Steward (Ligonier)
The warning about the Word of God's non-neutrality originated directly from Jesus.
This is not just a preacher’s warning. This was Jesus talking. This was His warning.
Source: The Faithful Steward (Ligonier)
The kingdom of God is governed by a just and holy Creator, requiring human fear.
But the kingdom of God is not Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood . The kingdom of God is ruled by a just and holy Creator, for whom we should have fear.
Source: Fearing God (Ligonier)
The assumption behind the Quest for the Historical Jesus was that one must reach beyond, underneath, and inside the New Testament to find the historical Jesus.
The assumption behind the Quest for the Historical Jesus was that you cannot find the historical Jesus in the New Testament. Rather, you must reach beyond it, underneath it, and inside of it to unpack it.
Source: The Feeding of the Five Thousand (Ligonier)
The Pharisees were the most hostile group toward Jesus.
It was the Pharisees and their party who were most hostile toward Jesus.
Source: The Forgiven Woman (Ligonier)
God laughs at the rebellion of earthly rulers, reminding them of His ultimate authority.
We read in Psalm 2, “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh, and He will hold the rulers of this world in derision.”
Source: The Forgiven Woman (Ligonier)
Believers are assured of their belonging to Christ because the Spirit dwells within them.
Context: Prayer (not a direct doctrinal statement)
Comfort our souls tonight with the assurance that we are in the Spirit because the Spirit dwells in us and we belong to Christ.
Source: Free from Indwelling Sin (Ligonier)
Paul did not originally write the epistle in a way that was divided into chapters or verses.
Before I look at the beginning of chapter 7, let me remind you, as I have on many occasions, that when Paul wrote this epistle, he did not divide it into chapters or into verses.
Source: Freed from the Law (Ligonier)
There is no significant break in the subject matter between the end of chapter 6 and the beginning of chapter 7.
There is no great break in subject matter between the end of chapter 6 and the beginning of chapter 7 in the text.
Source: Freed from the Law (Ligonier)
The genealogies provided by Luke and Matthew differ significantly in their structure and the number of names listed.
Even with a cursory comparison of the genealogy provided for us by Luke with that provided by Matthew, we see that there are clear and glaring differences in the accounts.
Source: The Genealogy of Jesus (Ligonier)
One popular harmonization theory suggests Matthew's genealogy tracks Joseph's legal lineage, while Luke's tracks Mary's family.
One of the most popular ways of harmonization is to argue that Matthew gives us the legal genealogy of Jesus, which follows the lineage of Joseph, even though Joseph is not the actual father of Jesus because of the virgin birth.
Source: The Genealogy of Jesus (Ligonier)
Luke emphasizes that Jesus' Lordship and the kingdom of God are universal, extending beyond the Jews to all nations.
Jesus is not simply the Savior of the Jews, but the Savior of the Gentiles, and the kingdom of God is not limited to the geographical borders of Palestine, but it goes as far as the east is from the west, for every tongue and tribe and nation.
Source: The Genealogy of Jesus (Ligonier)
The prophecy recorded in the text is astonishing because it accurately predicted events like the destruction of Jerusalem and the dispersion of the Jewish people.
The first reason is that this prophecy would have astounded the original hearers because no one on the face of the earth—apart from Jesus—would expect the destruction of Jerusalem and the Herodian temple, or that the Jews, God’s chosen people, would be dispersed into all the world.
Source: This Generation Will Not Pass Away (Ligonier)
When Paul uses the phrase 'If God is for us,' he is speaking syllogistically, not indicating any actual uncertainty about God's support for His elect.
The Apostle says, “ If God is for us,” almost as if that were a matter open to some doubt or further speculation. But Paul is not trying to indicate that there is any uncertainty about God’s being for us, because he has simply labored throughout these chapters to demonstrate how deeply God is for His elect.
Source: God's Everlasting Love (Ligonier)
When confronted with God's indictment, one must recognize the Word of God and accept that God has the right to judge them.
Context: Describing Eli's response to the indictment.
It is the Lord. It’s the Lord. I recognize the Word of God here. I’ve been wrong. God has every right to do to me what He will.
Source: God's Judgment Defended (Ligonier)
God will not withhold His wrath forever, and every person will face His judgment.
God will not hold back His wrath forever. Every single person will face the judgment of God.
Source: God's Judgment Defended (Ligonier)
The entire world is under God's indictment because it has rejected God the Father.
No, Jesus comes into a world that is already under the indictment of God the Father because the whole world has rejected God the Father, who has revealed Himself clearly to them.
Source: God’s Wrath (Ligonier)
The concept of the kingdom of God is the single theme that connects the Old Testament with the New Testament throughout the Bible.
If there is any theme that unites the Old Testament with the New Testament, any single thread that runs through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, it is the concept of the kingdom of God.
Source: The Gospel of the Kingdom (Ligonier)
The Messiah is understood not only as a king but also as a priest who will redeem his subjects through his priestly ministry.
The kingdom of God is the realm of the redeemed, the society of those who have experienced the salvation of the King, because the promised Messiah will not only be a king, but also a priest. He is a king who will redeem His subjects through His priestly ministry.
Source: The Gospel of the Kingdom (Ligonier)
In the heavenly kingdom, the heavenly beings worship by laying down their harps and presenting the prayers of the saints.
Instead of hanging their harps on the trees of Babylon, they are laying them down in the kingdom of God in heaven, bringing the bowls of the prayers of their saints, the bowls of incense precious to God, and pouring them out before Him:
Source: The Gospel of the Kingdom (Ligonier)
The Kingdom of God is simultaneously present (already real) and future (will return in a visible climax).
The reign of our King is already real, as invisible as it may be. But He’s not finished. The Lion of Judah will return, and when He returns, every knee will bow, either willingly or when He breaks those knees until they bow in submission to Him.
Source: The Gospel of the Kingdom (Ligonier)
Jesus' session refers to him taking his seat at the right hand of God, from which he rules the kingdom.
The session of Jesus is when He takes His seat at the right hand of God, and from that throne, He rules over the kingdom His Father has given to Him.
Source: The Gospel of the Kingdom (Ligonier)
Luke is considered the most accurate historian of the ancient world, even when compared to other notable ancient historians.
Ramsey and other secular historians have said that Luke, apart from inspiration, apart from the divine assistance that he enjoyed, was the most accurate historian of the entire ancient world.
Source: The Gospel of Luke (Ligonier)
Luke presents himself not as an eyewitness, but as a historian who carefully checks sources and provides an orderly account.
Luke is saying, “I am not an eyewitness, but I am a historian, and as a historian, I check the sources.”
Source: The Gospel of Luke (Ligonier)
Sproul argues that Theophilus is likely a real historical person of noble position, not a symbolic character.
I think Luke is addressing this volume, as was commonplace in the ancient world for scholars, to some person of noble position. He is devoting or dedicating this to a man by the name of Theophilus because he calls him “most excellent Theophilus,” a title not given to symbolic characters but rather to real historical persons.
Source: The Gospel of Luke (Ligonier)
It is more important to know what something truly was in the past than merely accepting the current state of affairs.
Because not only is it true that it is what it is, but even more important for us is that it was what it was.
Source: The Gospel of Luke (Ligonier)
Jesus stated that seeing him cast out Satan by the finger of God indicates that the kingdom of God has arrived.
When Jesus astonished everyone by His power and ability to cast out demons, He made this comment: “If you see Me casting out Satan by the finger of God”—that is, by the power of the Holy Ghost—“then you know the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
Source: The Gospel to Samaria (Ligonier)
The Jewish expectation of the Messiah focused only on the royal pomp, failing to connect it with the Suffering Servant described in Isaiah.
the Jews’ in expectation of the Messiah only looked at the royal pomp of the coming Son of David, and they did not tie it together with the Suffering Servant of God, as was found in the prophet Isaiah.
Source: The Greatest (Ligonier)
Jericho was an oasis that was lush with vegetation, unlike the surrounding barren wilderness and desert.
If you are familiar with the geography of Palestine and the southern part of Judea, you know that the area close to the Dead Sea is mostly a barren wilderness and desert. Jericho, however, was built on a large oasis. In contrast to the neighboring area, Jericho was lush with vegetation, including trees, even sycamore trees.
Source: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (Ligonier)
Salvation's arrival is not a passive event but requires vigilance to maintain it.
Has salvation come to your house? If it does, do not let it go until you are found by Him.
Source: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (Ligonier)
The speaker notes the significant contrast in loyalty between Peter and John, who are depicted as working together in the text.
This was Peter, who betrayed Jesus only a few weeks earlier at His crucifixion, now going side by side with his companion John, who stayed with Jesus because he was at the foot of the cross when Jesus commended the care of His mother, Mary, into John’s hands.
Source: Healing at the Gate Beautiful (Ligonier)
The essential question regarding Christianity is whether one has become a Christian, not the timing or manner of that conversion.
But the issue is not how you became a Christian, or when you became a Christian, but did you become a Christian?
Source: The Holy Spirit to the Gentiles (Ligonier)
Satan is a serious subject in Scripture, spanning from Genesis 3 through Revelation, and modern understanding is often distorted.
This teaching from Jesus is about the devil, a being that Scripture—from Genesis 3 to the end of Revelation—takes extremely seriously. Yet in our own time, great distortions have arisen about the nature and work of Satan.
Source: A House Divided (Ligonier)
Satan cannot destroy his own kingdom because he would be undermining his own power structure.
Context: Quoting Jesus's response to the scribes and Pharisees.
How stupid would Satan be to use his power in Me to destroy his own kingdom? Haven’t you seen what I just did? I delivered this man who was under the control of a junior-grade demon. That demon answered to Beelzebub as one of his minions, one of his lieutenants.
Source: A House Divided (Ligonier)
The appearance of heresy, such as Gnosticism, is not new and continues to happen in every generation.
We sometimes think the church was done with Gnosticism at the end of the third century, but it is still alive. We still have professors in seminaries and clergy expounding the worst of all possible heresies. There is nothing new about that; it happens in every generation.
Source: If It Is of God (Ligonier)
The quest for God only begins when a person becomes a Christian.
When you become a Christian, that is the moment where your quest for God begins.
Source: The Indictment of the Jews and Gentiles (Ligonier)
Humanity has an inherent propensity for violence and bloodshed.
In our bitterness, in our propensity for violence, we run for violence; we cannot wait to spill blood.
Source: The Indictment of the Jews and Gentiles (Ligonier)
Believers are not autonomous or independent, but are purchased by Christ and are slaves to Him.
You are not your own. You’ve been bought with a price. You’ve been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Source: Introduction (Ligonier)
The Apostle Paul understood that there was no distinction between Christ being Savior and Christ being Lord.
The Apostle Paul knew no dichotomy between Christ as Savior and Christ as Lord, and he makes it clear in the very first sentence of Romans: “Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle.”
Source: Introduction (Ligonier)
The Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah predicted that he would be born from the lineage of David.
This was important to the Jew because the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah said the Messiah would be of the line and lineage of David.
Source: Introduction (Ligonier)
The seeking of the kingdom of God, which is central to the Christian life, only begins after a person has been converted.
I have labored the point to you, so you may be tired of hearing it, regarding the Bible’s teaching that, outside of regeneration, no person in his natural state seeks after God. If you want to structure your worship for seekers, then you structure your worship for believers, because the seeking of the kingdom of God, which is the main business of the Christian life, does not start until you are converted.
Source: Israel Rejects the Gospel (Ligonier)
Paul stated that he would be willing to call down the curse of God on himself to win his kinsmen according to the flesh, Israel.
Paul said, “I’d be willing to call down the curse of God on my own head, to be placed under the ban, to be placed under the anathema of the Lord if that’s what it would take to win my kinsmen according to the flesh, Israel.”
Source: Israel's Rejection of Christ (Ligonier)
The Old Testament view is that Israel was the adopted son of God.
Israel was the adopted son of God.
Source: Israel's Rejection of Christ (Ligonier)
The promises concerning the coming kingdom originated with the Israelites.
The thousands of promises of the One who would come out of Israel, out of the root of Jesse, out of loins of David, all of those promises of the coming kingdom pertained to the Israelites.
Source: Israel's Rejection of Christ (Ligonier)
The Apostle Paul, like any good teacher, anticipates the reactions and points of tension that his students or opponents will raise.
The Apostle, as any good teachers do—and particularly as anyone steeped in the rigors of debate is inclined to do—anticipates in advance the reaction of his students or the reaction of his opponents.
Source: Israel's Rejection & God's Justice (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The infralapsarian position holds that God's decree of election is made in view of the fall.
The infralapsarian position, which is the vast majority report of historic Calvinism and of Reformed theology, is that God’s decree of election is made in view of the fall.
Source: Israel's Rejection & God's Justice (Part 3) (Ligonier)
It is absolutely unthinkable that God would punish innocent people.
The distance between God’s likelihood of punishing the innocent with the guilty, the righteous with the wicked, is infinite. It is absolutely unthinkable.
Source: Israel's Rejection & God's Justice (Part 3) (Ligonier)
God's plan is to make known the riches of His glory by taking individuals from a corrupt mass and making them vessels of mercy.
Paul says that God did all these things “that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy.” God took from a corrupt mass of clay, selected from what Augustine called a “mass of perdition,” and chose to make from that mass vessels of glory.
Source: Israel's Rejection & God's Justice (Part 3) (Ligonier)
Believers who were previously not considered God's people are now His people solely through God's grace.
We who were no people by grace are now His people. We are the wild olive branch grafted into the root of the tree. We bring nothing to the table, nothing inherent that would make God be moved to include us in His kingdom.
Source: Israel's Rejection & God's Justice (Part 3) (Ligonier)
True belonging to God's covenant or the kingdom of God is not determined by ethnicity or visible membership, but by God's knowledge of the heart.
The point of that distinction is that not everyone who is a member of a visible church—who stands up and says, “I believe,” or enlists their membership in a local congregation—is saved. Not everyone in the visible church is numbered among the elect.
Source: Israel's Rejection & God's Purpose (Ligonier)
Being descended from Abraham or being a member of Israel does not automatically guarantee entrance into God's kingdom.
Just because someone is an ethnic Jew, just because he is a member of the commonwealth of Israel, does not mean that person is saved. The Pharisees fell into that trap. They said, “We’re the children of Abraham,” as if that automatically guaranteed them entrance into the kingdom of God.
Source: Israel's Rejection & God's Purpose (Ligonier)
The purpose of God's decree regarding election is not based on human works, but solely on the calling of God.
that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls.
Source: Israel's Rejection & God's Purpose (Ligonier)
The ground of our election is never found in us, but rather in what God does.
The ground of our election is never found in us.
Source: Israel's Rejection & God's Purpose (Ligonier)
God's purpose was not for Israel to fall permanently into destruction.
Paul answers this rhetorical question with the same emphatic response that he has used so often in the epistle: “Have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not!”
Source: Israel's Rejection Not Final (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The fall of Israel is not complete or final, meaning it is not the end of God's plan for them.
Paul reminds us that he himself is of Jewish ancestry, so not all of the ethnic Jews had fallen away from the covenant. It was not full. Here he is pointing out the second dimension: The fall of Israel is not final. It is not the end of the story.
Source: Israel's Rejection Not Final (Part 2) (Ligonier)
The current blindness or apostasy of Israel is not permanent or complete, and it has a historical limit.
This blindness that has come upon Israel has a historical limit. Let us understand that point. The blindness that has happened to Israel will last until something happens in space and time.
Source: Israel's Rejection Not Final (Part 2) (Ligonier)
Redemptive history involves distinct periods, specifically the times of the Jews and the times of the gentiles, where God's focus shifts.
In redemptive history, you have the times of the Jews and the times of the gentiles. Here is what Paul is saying: There is a time in redemptive history when the focus of God’s redeeming grace is on the Jews, and there is a time when the focus of God’s development of His redemptive people is on the gentiles.
Source: Israel's Rejection Not Final (Part 2) (Ligonier)
God's redemptive plan has a single agenda that incorporates both Jews and Gentiles into His kingdom.
Do not make any mistake: I do not believe that God has two agendas, one for the Jew and one for the gentile. There is one agenda that incorporates both the Jew and the gentile into His kingdom.
Source: Israel's Rejection Not Final (Part 2) (Ligonier)
God's knowledge of future events is based on His prior ordination of those events.
The reason God knows what is going to happen before it happens is because He has ordained it. His knowledge of future things is based upon His ordination of future things.
Source: Israel's Rejection Not Final (Part 3) (Ligonier)
A person's inclusion in the kingdom of God, including election and adoption, is solely due to God's love for His Son.
The only reason that you and I are included in the kingdom of God is because of God’s love for His Son. Our election and our adoption are always in Christ Jesus.
Source: Israel's Rejection Not Final (Part 3) (Ligonier)
The Holy Spirit's role is to illuminate the things of God for human understanding, as these things are otherwise unsearchable.
No, when Paul speaks of the Spirit searching the things of God, the Spirit is not searching for information. He is putting the searchlight on the things of God to illumine them for our understanding.
Source: Israel's Rejection Not Final (Part 3) (Ligonier)
All things in history and the universe are moving toward the ultimate purpose of God.
All things are moving, in history and in the universe, to fulfill the purpose of God.
Source: Israel's Rejection Not Final (Part 4) (Ligonier)
Paul's teaching in Romans chapter 11 is considered the most complete teaching on the future of the nation of Israel.
I say that for this reason: How we understand eschatology is, to a large degree, connected to how we understand chapter 11 of Paul’s letter to the Romans. This is Paul’s most complete teaching on the subject of the future of the nation of Israel.
Source: Israel's Rejection Not Total (Ligonier)
The history of Israel, from Abraham to the present, serves as a clear demonstration of God's providential government over human and redemptive history.
The history of Israel—all the way back to Abraham and up to the present day—is a striking testimony to God’s providential government of human history, and especially of redemptive history.
Source: Israel's Rejection Not Total (Ligonier)
The Jewish people maintain a persistent and strong awareness of their ethnic and national roots, unlike other groups who assimilate.
Except for the Jews. They still have an unquenchable awareness and consciousness of their roots, of their ethnic and national identity.
Source: Israel's Rejection Not Total (Ligonier)
God has not categorically rejected Old Testament Israel, nor has He cast away His people.
By no means! Do not even think about it. God has not categorically rejected Old Testament Israel.
Source: Israel's Rejection Not Total (Ligonier)
The people of God are described as a remnant, which are those preserved by God because of election.
A remnant is the seed that is left after the field has been plowed, or the dregs that are found in the bottom of the cup, or the loose ends that seem to be fit only for the trash barrel, to be cast out and thrown away, or the stump that is left after the tree has been cut down—that is the chief metaphor for the people of God. That is who we are: dregs that God reserves because of election.
Source: Israel's Rejection Not Total (Ligonier)
It is never too late for people to meet Jesus or for Him to do anything for them, regardless of how long they have been away from Him.
Do you know how many millions of people have assumed that it was too late for them to meet Jesus or have Jesus do anything for them? They think, “I have been a pagan all these years, and it’s too late for me.” Are you still alive? Then it is not too late.
Source: Jairus' Daughter (Ligonier)
Paul aimed to preach the gospel in places where Christ had not been named, rather than building upon the foundation laid by others.
Paul continues: So that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand.”
Source: From Jerusalem to Illyricum (Ligonier)
Jesus ascended to receive His coronation and authority, establishing His reign immediately.
Jesus was ascending to His coronation, His investiture. He had to leave this earth because His kingdom at that point was not of this world. His kingdom was the kingdom of heaven, and a throne was waiting for Him as He was lifted on high and placed at the right hand of the Father, the position of absolute cosmic authority.
Source: Jesus Appears (Ligonier)
Jesus' reign is not limited to the future, but is active and absolute right now.
Rather, His reign is right now . The moment Jesus went up into heaven, He was put in the seat at the right hand of God, and all authority in heaven and earth was given to Him. He was coronated there, not just as King, but as King of kings and Lord of lords, so that every earthly authority, as much as they may hate Him and despise Him, is nevertheless subject to Him.
Source: Jesus Appears (Ligonier)
God's response to Israel's disobedience will not merely be desolation, but rather giving the land to someone else who will care for it and bring forth fruit.
But now, the land will not just be desolate, but rather He will give it to someone else, that they would care for it and bring its fruit in its season.
Source: Jesus’ Authority & the Parable of the Tenants (Ligonier)
The tearing of the temple curtain by Christ signified the removal of the barrier that separated humanity from God's presence.
On this final Day of Atonement, the curtain in the temple was torn—not by an earthquake, not from the ground up, but by the hand of God from the top down, as if the Lord God omnipotent reached down. Because of the atoning work of Jesus Christ, He took the veil of the temple and ripped it.
Source: Jesus Dies (Ligonier)
The cup Jesus faced contained the wrath of God.
In the cup were the grapes of wrath, the grapes that had been trampled outside of the city and prepared for consumption.
Source: Jesus at Gethsemane (Ligonier)
Anyone who is not hidden in Jesus Christ will face the wrath of God personally.
If your life is not hidden in Jesus Christ, it will come upon you. You will drink that cup with no assistance from Jesus.
Source: Jesus at Gethsemane (Ligonier)
A vast heavenly army is observing the events of Jesus's trial and execution.
There is a panoply of a heavenly host staring at this very moment, observing everything that is taking place, listening to every word that I utter or is spoken to Me.
Source: Jesus at Gethsemane (Ligonier)
Believers are adopted children of God, and their election must be understood in relation to the Son.
Remember, we are not the natural children of God. We are the adopted children of God, and even our election must always be understood to be in the Son .
Source: Jesus & John the Baptist (Ligonier)
The world, including those who are nominally Christian, often fails to recognize or receive Christ, mirroring the rejection experienced in Nazareth and Israel.
He came to the world, as John says, and the world was made by Him, but the world didn’t know Him. Beloved, this is as true this morning as it was true that day in Nazareth.
Source: Jesus Rejected (Ligonier)
Humans are not naturally children of God, but rather children of hell, and the only way to change this status is by receiving Jesus Christ.
We are not by nature the children of God. We are by nature the children of hell. The only thing that changes our status ultimately from hell to heaven is receiving the Lord Jesus Christ, which is the last thing in the world these people of Nazareth were willing to do.
Source: Jesus Rejected (Ligonier)
Jesus predicted that after his execution, he would ascend to the right hand of God and be judged by those who would eventually stand before him.
as soon as I am executed, I will ascend to the right hand of God, which is the seat of cosmic authority. In a very short time, you will stand before Me, as I am standing before you this day, to be judged eternally.
Source: Jesus on Trial (Ligonier)
The charges brought against Jesus, particularly the claim that he misled the nation, were false accusations.
Of all the false charges leveled against Jesus, one stands out head and shoulders above all the rest. Listen to what they said: “We found this man misleading our nation.”
Source: Jesus on Trial (Ligonier)
Sinning is a direct result of failing to follow Jesus.
Every sin I have ever committed was a result of my not following Jesus.
Source: Jesus on Trial (Ligonier)
Jeremiah prophesied that Jerusalem would eventually fall into ruins, comparing it to the state of Shiloh.
Context: Quoting Jeremiah
Jeremiah said: “You think this is the temple of the Lord? Go to Shiloh and look at it, because this is what Jerusalem will become.”
Source: Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem (Ligonier)
The Roman forces were predicted to surround the city, build barricades, and use advanced implements of war.
Jesus said: “Your enemies will come near. They will surround you. They will build barricades; they will use inventions and implements of war you had never dreamed possible.”
Source: Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem (Ligonier)
Believers must be careful not to assume they are in God's kingdom merely because of outward appearances like baptism or church membership.
Do you see how easy it is for us to assume that we are in the kingdom of God just because we have been baptized, or joined the church, or went through a catechism class, or were confirmed?
Source: The Jews Are as Guilty as the Gentiles (Ligonier)
John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed because he publicly criticized the local ruler, Herod, for his illicit marriage.
The reason is this: John, following a long list of God’s prophets, was engaged with what we call “prophetic criticism.” He had the audacity to publicly criticize the ruler of that territory, Herod, for his illicit marriage to his sister-in-law.
Source: John Preaches (Ligonier)
The speaker argues that the current administration's economic policies are systematically destroying the nation and harming the poor.
The tragedy is that those people who are not paying any income tax are not prospering because everything that creates production, employment, and prosperity in this country is being attacked by the present administration’s economic policy.
Source: John Preaches (Ligonier)
When Paul spoke of the 'world,' he was referring to the known world, specifically the Mediterranean region, not the entire planet.
When first-century people spoke of the world, they were speaking of the known world. They were speaking essentially of the Mediterranean world that was in their purview.
Source: The Just Shall Live by Faith (Ligonier)
The kingdom of God does not arrive through visible signs or external observation.
The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.
Source: The Kingdom Come (Ligonier)
The kingdom of God was the primary and favorite subject of Jesus' teachings.
We have learned throughout our study of Luke that the central motif of Jesus’ preaching was the kingdom of God.
Source: The Kingdom Come (Ligonier)
The speaker disagrees with the common interpretation that the kingdom of God merely exists in the hearts of people.
I do not think Jesus was talking about a kingdom that merely existed in the hearts of people.
Source: The Kingdom Come (Ligonier)
Sproul interprets that Jesus meant the Kingdom of God is located in the midst of the people, because the King is always in the midst of the kingdom.
Where the King is, there is the kingdom. I think Jesus was saying: “The kingdom of God is in your midst. It has been in your midst since I have been walking among you, and you’ve missed it because you missed Me.”
Source: The Kingdom Come (Ligonier)
Catastrophic events occur suddenly when people are living normally, much like the times of Noah and Lot.
Jesus was saying that a colossal, catastrophic event would come suddenly, when people least expected it. Life would be going on in normal categories, just as when Noah spent years warning the people of the impending disaster to come, and they mocked and ridiculed him as he built the means of rescue from the flood.
Source: The Kingdom Come (Ligonier)
The title 'Lamb of God' is the title used by John the Baptist to introduce Jesus, even though Jesus is also called by other titles later in the chapter.
But all these titles following the prologue are introduced to us by John with the title Lamb of God.
Source: The Lamb of God (Ligonier)
For those in Christ, the threat of condemnation is removed forever, covering them now and in the future.
The threat of condemnation is removed forever from you, if it is so that you are in Christ Jesus.
Source: Law Cannot Save from Sin (Part 3) (Ligonier)
The church must prevent the weaker brother from establishing rules for the entire Christian community.
Yet the church must never allow the weaker brother to establish the laws for the whole Christian community.
Source: The Law of Liberty (Ligonier)
All people will ultimately give an account of themselves to God.
So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.
Source: The Law of Liberty (Ligonier)
Adiaphora are matters that do not inherently relate to the kingdom of God, such as eating or drinking.
I remind you that these precepts have to do with that which is adiaphorous, those things such as the eating of meat, the drinking of wine, and the observing of days, that in and of themselves have nothing to do with the kingdom of God.
Source: The Law of Liberty (Ligonier)
Jesus' actions demonstrated that it was not the time to send the demons into the abyss, but it was time for them to leave the man.
Jesus acknowledged, by His actions, that it was not the time to send them into the pit. It was, however, time for them to come out of the man.
Source: Legion (Ligonier)
God loves cheerful givers, meaning He loves people who willingly express their gratitude to Him by building the kingdom of God.
He loves cheerful givers. He loves people who desire to express their gratitude to Him by building the kingdom of God.
Source: Life in the Early Church (Ligonier)
The Kingdom of God begins with something small but has the potential to grow into something vast and powerful.
It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.
Source: A Little Leaven (Ligonier)
Jesus participated in the Passover ritual throughout his life, culminating in a final celebration with his disciples before entering the kingdom.
From the time that He was a child, Jesus would go to Jerusalem, to the feast, and celebrate the ancient Passover ritual and memorial; first with His family, then later with His disciples. As His spirit groaned within Him, He gave instructions to His disciples: “Find the place. I will tell you how to find it, but we must find a room where we can prepare the Passover. I want to celebrate the Passover one last time with you because I won’t do it again until I enter the kingdom.”
Source: The Lord's Supper (Ligonier)
The Pharisees, in contrast to Christ, did not care about the young man who was wasting his fortune and living with the pigs.
The Pharisees could not care less about a young man wasting his fortune and living with the pigs.
Source: The Lost Son (Part 1) (Ligonier)
One must enter the kingdom of God by being broken and dependent solely on grace.
Nobody ever entered the kingdom of God saying: “Here I am, folks. Heaven wouldn’t be right without me.” This is the only way you get to heaven: broken and dependent on grace and grace alone.
Source: The Lost Son (Part 2) (Ligonier)
Paying taxes is mandated because the civil authorities are considered God's ministers who attend to this function.
“For because of this”—that is, because of conscience—“you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.”
Source: Love Your Neighbor (Ligonier)
God grants civil magistrates the right to levy taxes because their rule and governance require financing.
But remember that God gives the civil magistrate the right to levy taxes because his reign and rule have to be financed.
Source: Love Your Neighbor (Ligonier)
It is the responsibility of the citizens to pay the taxes levied by the government.
It is the government’s right to levy taxes, and it is our responsibility to pay those taxes.
Source: Love Your Neighbor (Ligonier)
The Bible consistently shows that God opposes unjust, unrighteous, and oppressive burdens of taxation, regardless of the ruling authority.
We are witnesses of the biblical testimony of the Old Testament that God hates that, whether it is done by a Jewish king, a Babylonian king, a Roman emperor, or the Congress of the United States of America—it does not matter which civil magistrate.
Source: Love Your Neighbor (Ligonier)
The structure of government in the United States is a republic, not a democracy.
The fathers of this nation went to great pains to make sure that the structure of government in this nation was not a democracy but a republic.
Source: Love Your Neighbor (Ligonier)
Honor must be given to those in authority, such as kings or parents, even if they are not honorable or have not earned it.
Even if the king is not honorable, he is to be honored. It is his due. We are to honor our father and mother, because honor is due to our parents. They may not deserve it. They may not have earned it. They may have not merited it. That is why we cannot reduce Christian justice and righteousness to the simple formula of merit and demerit.
Source: Love Your Neighbor (Ligonier)
The Lord God Omnipotent not only reigns over all things but also actively rules over them, meaning He raises and brings down kingdoms.
The Lord God Omnipotent not only reigns, but He rules over all things. This doctrine of the government of God in His providence simply means this: He raises kingdoms up and He brings kingdoms down.
Source: The Magnificat (Part 2) (Ligonier)
God's government is absolute, meaning He not only reigns but actively rules over all things and determines the rise and fall of kingdoms.
The Lord God Omnipotent not only reigns, but He rules over all things. This doctrine of the government of God in His providence simply means this: He raises kingdoms up and He brings kingdoms down. There is no one who exercises power in this world apart from the sovereign government of God.
Source: The Magnificat (Part 2) (Ligonier)
When nations plot to rebel against God, God's response is not fear, but laughter, followed by scattering the proud.
No, we read: “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh.” God looks down, sees all the nuclear weaponry of the earth assembled, pointed at heaven, and He says, “Ha! Ha! Ha!” Then He scatters the proud with His arm.
Source: The Magnificat (Part 2) (Ligonier)
God has the power to topple the thrones of powerful rulers and exalt those of low degree.
Suddenly, you see a little hand come out. There’s a little tug at the bottom of his robe, but that little tug is from the Lord God Omnipotent. Just like that, God topples the thrones of these monarchs and drags the mighty down from their positions of exaltation. In contrast to that, He raises up and exalts those of low degree.
Source: The Magnificat (Part 2) (Ligonier)
God's promises are permanent and cannot be broken or forgotten.
Once God makes a promise to His people, it is set in stone. It is forever. That promise cannot be broken. It will never be forgotten.
Source: The Magnificat (Part 2) (Ligonier)
The common theme between Christ's actions (like stilling the storm and redeeming a demon-possessed person) is His power over the threat of chaos.
Context: Reporting a commentator's observation, but affirming it as a theological point of discussion.
One commentator I read on this passage pointed out, much to my delight, that the common theme between Christ’s stilling the storm on the Sea of Galilee and His redemption of this demon-possessed person is found in Christ’s power over the threat of chaos.
Source: A Fearful Deliverance (Ligonier)
The Bible describes the initial state of the world as a threat of chaos, which was overcome by God's spoken word.
In Hebrew categories, what Genesis describes as tohu vavohu is the threat of chaos, the threat of emptiness, formlessness, and darkness. It is against that picture of the threat of chaos that Genesis tells us, “And God spoke, and He said, ‘Let there be light.’”
Source: A Fearful Deliverance (Ligonier)
The Sanhedrin planned to kill Jesus, but they limited their plans because they feared a popular uprising during the feast.
The rulers met together and figured out a plan, but they said among themselves, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar of the people.” As much as they wanted to get rid of Jesus, they still feared a popular uprising and were going to limit some of their plans with an eye out to public opinion.
Source: The Anointing at Bethany (Ligonier)
Humanity has a persistent tendency to replace the true God with idols and self-fashioned gods.
It is our propensity to exchange the God of heaven and earth for an idol and fashion for ourselves a God who requires no satisfaction, who requires no payment for sin.
Source: The Atonement (Ligonier)
Humanity is inherently at war and in enmity with God, which is the source of the estrangement.
Well, if the Word of God is the truth of God, then by nature, we are His enemies. We are at war with Him. We despise Him. But we do not get angry at the golden calf. If we create a new god, then we can live in comfort. The biblical God is the object of our wrath to such a degree that the Scripture says we will not have Him in our thinking.
Source: The Atonement (Ligonier)
Humans do not own themselves, because they have been purchased by Christ.
Paul said: “You are not your own. You don’t own yourself. You’ve been bought. You’ve been purchased.” Paul said, “You’ve been bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:19–20).
Source: The Atonement (Ligonier)
The specific phrasing of Jesus' preaching—the gospel of the kingdom of God—is theologically significant.
Let me begin by calling attention to Mark’s statement that when Jesus came to Galilee, He was preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.
Source: Beginning of Jesus' Public Ministry (Ligonier)
When the Old Testament speaks of the coming kingdom of God, it refers to the personal visitation of God to manifest the rule of redemption through the coming Messiah.
but when the Old Testament speaks of the coming kingdom of God, it refers to the personal visitation of God, the King of the universe, to this fallen world to manifest the rule of redemption that He brings to pass with the coming Messiah.
Source: Beginning of Jesus' Public Ministry (Ligonier)
Jesus' announcement indicates that the kingdom of God is not only temporally fulfilled but also physically present and near.
The time is fulfilled, and that time is at hand. The kairotic moment is right now, and the kingdom of God is near; not just temporally, but physically at hand.
Source: Beginning of Jesus' Public Ministry (Ligonier)
Although Herod Antipas was formally a tetrarch, the popular Jewish designation was to call him 'King Herod.'
Though it was the popular Jewish designation to call Herod Antipas “King Herod,” formally speaking, he did not have that title bestowed upon him by Rome, which was no small matter.
Source: The Beheading of John the Baptist (Part 1) (Ligonier)
Herod Antipas was motivated by a desire for the title of king, which ultimately led to his banishment.
But sometimes people crave titles more than anything else, and Herod wanted the prestige of the title king . Caligula was infuriated by the request and forthwith banished Herod and Herodias to Gaul.
Source: The Beheading of John the Baptist (Part 1) (Ligonier)
John the Baptist was the herald of the Messiah, appearing to declare the coming of God's kingdom and anointed king.
When John appeared out of the wilderness, he came as the herald of the Messiah. He came as God’s anointed witness to declare to Israel the coming of the kingdom of God and the appearance of God’s anointed king.
Source: The Beheading of John the Baptist (Part 1) (Ligonier)
Moses expressed concern to God about his inability to speak effectively to Pharaoh because he felt he had 'uncircumcised lips.'
And Moses spoke before the Lord , saying, “The children of Israel have not heeded me. How then shall Pharaoh heed me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?”
Source: The Beheading of John the Baptist (Part 2) (Ligonier)
The phrase 'up to half my kingdom' should not be taken literally but is an idiom expressing great generosity.
Do not take that phrase “up to half my kingdom” literally. This was a common expression of rulers in antiquity. “I will give up to half my kingdom” is simply an idiom to express this idea: “I am prepared to reward you, and I will reward you greatly. I will be exceedingly generous in my reward to you.”
Source: The Beheading of John the Baptist (Part 2) (Ligonier)
Joseph of Arimathea, despite being a prominent council member, was not necessarily opposed to Jesus, as he acted as an ally.
The only council this can refer to in terms of Jewish prominence would have been the Sanhedrin, the very council that turned Jesus over to Pilate and sought His execution. This indicates that not everybody on the council of Jewish leadership was opposed to Jesus. He had at least Joseph as His ally, and presumably also Nicodemus, in that august body of Jewish leaders.
Source: The Burial of Jesus (Ligonier)
Membership in the disciple band of Jesus was determined by sovereign election, meaning He called the ones He wanted.
Membership in the disciple band of Jesus was by sovereign election. Jesus called the ones He wanted, and that call was sovereign because everyone He called to that office came, and they came willingly to join a band of men that would take part in who He was.
Source: The Calling of the Disciples (Ligonier)
The purpose of a group called by Jesus (an ekklēsia) is for the members to be with Him.
So, when Jesus makes a group that He calls to Himself, an ekklēsia , the purpose is for them to be with Him.
Source: The Calling of the Disciples (Ligonier)
The specific day and hour of Christ's return is known only to the Father.
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Source: Christ Coming in Glory (Ligonier)
The Roman soldiers mocked Jesus by dressing him in royal attire, placing a crown of thorns on his head, and saluting him mockingly.
The soldiers began to salute Jesus in a mocking way. Even as Caesar would be greeted by the words, “Hail, Caesar, august one,” the soldiers saluted Jesus saying, “Hail, King of the Jews.” They struck Him on the head with a reed, and they spat upon Him.
Source: The Crucifixion (Ligonier)
The Jewish people widely believed that the coming Messiah would be a descendant of King David.
Most of the people to whom Jesus spoke were well aware of the manifold texts of the Old Testament that predicted the coming Messiah would be from the line of David, a descendant of David, born in the city of David, of the seed of David.
Source: David's Son and Lord (Ligonier)
The text suggests that God appears to be having a conversation with Himself regarding David's Lord or Sovereign.
So, it seems God is having a conversation with Himself about David’s Lord, David’s Sovereign, David’s Adonai.
Source: David's Son and Lord (Ligonier)
Christ's reign is not a future event but has already begun, establishing that Christians live in a kingdom, not a democracy or republic.
We pride ourselves in living in a democracy or republic, but as Christians, we do not reside in a democracy or republic. We live in a kingdom—in which we have a King who has been enthroned already. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. His reign is not something that will take place in the distant future. Rather, it has started already.
Source: David's Son and Lord (Ligonier)
Those who follow Jesus and forsake all other things are not worthy of the kingdom of God if they look back.
He who starts following Jesus and puts his hand to the plow but looks back is not worthy of the kingdom of God.
Source: The Eye of the Needle (Ligonier)
What determines one's place in the kingdom is not merit, but fidelity and faithfulness to Christ.
What gets you first place is not merit, but fidelity and faithfulness to Christ.
Source: The Eye of the Needle (Ligonier)
Those who are initially prominent in this world may be last in the Kingdom, while the humble will be first.
Context: Quoting Jesus' words.
You will see that many who were first in this world are last in the kingdom. The lowly ones to whom people gave little significance, those who were last, the least of My brethren—they will be first.
Source: The Eye of the Needle (Ligonier)
The upcoming celebration of Communion is a fulfillment of Jesus's action, where he will feed the people from his own table.
In a moment, as we celebrate Communion, He will come, and He will feed you from His own table.
Source: Feeding of the Five Thousand (Ligonier)
Jesus refused to provide any further signs to the generation, stating that they were not entitled to them.
He responds: “I’m not going to prove anything to you. You’re not going to get any sign. This generation is not entitled to any more signs.”
Source: The Feeding of the Four Thousand (Ligonier)
The Pharisees' opposition to Jesus was not a polite discussion but a hostile attempt to harass Him.
Really, the forceful word that we have here in the Greek is that they came out to harangue Him or to harass Him. They are not merely having a polite little discussion or debate about matters, but they are here in full hostility against Him.
Source: The Feeding of the Four Thousand (Ligonier)
The Sadducees and the Sanhedrin had corrupted the court of the gentiles by turning it into a commercial stockyard.
The Sadducees and the Sanhedrin had turned the court of the gentiles into a stockyard for commercial purposes.
Source: The Fig Tree and the Temple (Ligonier)
Jesus understood that all events, including the final conquest of Satan, were subject to the Father's appointed time.
Jesus also knew that all things were in His Father’s time, and the time for the final conquest of the satanic world was not yet.
Source: The Gadarene Demoniac (Ligonier)
The Pharisees and Herodians formed an unholy alliance, which was motivated by their mutual hatred of Jesus.
As a result, we see an unholy alliance between the Pharisees and the Herodians, who were sent “to catch Him in His words.”
Source: God and Caesar (Ligonier)
Christians must fulfill their civic duties by paying taxes and obeying the civil magistrate, while also prioritizing their duties to God.
Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’.
Source: God and Caesar (Ligonier)
Christians are called to pay taxes even when the government is corrupt, following the example of Paul's teaching.
Paul said: “No matter how corrupt the government is, you’re supposed to pay your taxes. No matter how burdensome the taxes are, no matter how confiscatory they may be, no matter how oppressive they may be, as Christians in our call to a special level of civil obedience, we’re called to pay them.”
Source: God and Caesar (Ligonier)
Christians must recognize that while they must pay taxes, they are not allowed to participate in the corruption of the system for their own benefit.
I must pay my tax even if it is corrupt, but I am not allowed to participate in the corruption of such a system on my own behalf.
Source: God and Caesar (Ligonier)
Jesus is currently Lord and seated at God's right hand, meaning believers do not have to wait for His second coming for Him to be Lord.
We do not have to wait for His second coming for Jesus to be Lord. He is Lord right now, and He is right at this moment seated at God’s right hand, which is the seat of heavenly authority.
Source: The Great Commission (Ligonier)
God's judgment is depicted graphically, stripping the land of its human rulers and giving it to wild animals.
Could you ever get a more graphic description of divine judgment on a land than to have God take the land away from the prince, away from the ruler, and deliver it to the jackals, to the snakes, to the birds of the air?
Source: The Healing of the Deaf Mute (Ligonier)
Jesus demonstrated the power of the coming kingdom of God both through his teaching and his confrontation with evil forces.
Then, He manifested the power of that kingdom in His teaching and by His confrontation with the world of evil forces.
Source: Healing of the Man with the Unclean Spirit (Ligonier)
The relationship between the demonic realm and Christ is purely one of conflict, as they have nothing in common.
The only relationship these demons have with Christ is one of conflict. “What do we have to do with You?” Nothing, except now they were recognizing their judgment, and they feared it.
Source: Healing of the Man with the Unclean Spirit (Ligonier)
Jesus taught that Elijah is coming first and will restore all things, and that Elijah has already come.
Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.
Source: The Healing of the Possessed Boy (Ligonier)
The appearance of Elijah was seen by the disciples as a key question regarding the role of Elijah in the coming kingdom of God.
After Elijah had appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration with Moses, which was an astonishing thing for the disciples to behold, and they began to come down from the mountain, this question of the role of Elijah in the coming kingdom of God was in the forefront of the disciples’ thoughts.
Source: The Healing of the Possessed Boy (Ligonier)
The arrest of Jesus was an action that took place in a secluded spot, covered by the cloak of darkness.
They came to a designated place because the arrest of Jesus would not be made in a public arena or under the light of day but rather in a secluded spot, covered by the cloak of darkness.
Source: Jesus' Arrest (Ligonier)
On the last day, people will approach Jesus using His name, repeating it as if they were intimately connected, but He will not know them.
Jesus was saying that at the last day, people would come to Him whom He did not know, who did not belong to Him, who would pretend they belonged to Him, and would not only use His name but repeat it as if they were on intimate terms: “Lord, Lord, didn’t I preach, didn’t I teach, didn’t I give my money?”
Source: Jesus' Arrest (Ligonier)
The disciples abandoned Jesus during his arrest, demonstrating a collective failure.
Then we read, “Then they all”—meaning all the disciples—“forsook Him and fled.” You see, it was not just Judas. It was not just Peter. It was every last one of them.
Source: Jesus' Arrest (Ligonier)
The young man who followed Jesus was likely wealthy and lived nearby, having dressed in haste.
He clearly was a man of means because only the wealthy wore linen coverings under their tunics, so this man had to be a man of some substance. The fact that the young man only had on the linen cloth indicated that he had dressed in haste to come and follow the situation, so we can assume he lived nearby, probably in Jerusalem.
Source: Jesus' Arrest (Ligonier)
The question regarding Jesus' parentage suggests that the people believed he was an illegitimate son born out of wedlock.
The best guess we have to explain this is that they still believed that Jesus was an illegitimate son and that Mary had this baby out of wedlock: “Isn’t He that carpenter who was the son of that woman? We know that family.
Source: Jesus at Nazareth (Ligonier)
The text clearly states that Jesus had brothers and sisters.
The text is clear: Jesus had brothers and sisters.
Source: Jesus at Nazareth (Ligonier)
Christ was rejected by his own people, family, and nation, despite being appointed as the cornerstone of God's building.
He’s the disgraced One. He’s the One who was ashamed, who was rejected by His own people, by His family, by the townsmen, and by the nation of Israel.
Source: Jesus at Nazareth (Ligonier)
Jesus' inability to perform mighty works in Nazareth was not due to a loss of power, but because God withheld His power due to the town's judgment and contempt.
Rather, the circumstances by which God the Holy Spirit would unleash that power were not available because there was a judgment of God on this town of Nazareth. For the most part, God withheld His power from this stiff-necked people who held Jesus in contempt.
Source: Jesus at Nazareth (Ligonier)
Pontius Pilate was historically important because he served as the supreme judge in the court that condemned Jesus.
The immediate and simple reason is that he was the presiding officer, the supreme judge in that earthly court that condemned Jesus to death.
Source: Jesus before Pilate (Ligonier)
Pilate functioned as a public figure who issued a judgment of great historical significance.
In that role, as church historians and theologians agree, he functioned not merely as a local prefect of Rome but as a publicus persona —that is, a public person who issued a judgment far more significant historically than his own opinion.
Source: Jesus before Pilate (Ligonier)
Pilate's long tenure in Palestine was viewed negatively, suggesting failure rather than success.
That might sound like a compliment of Pilate’s administrative capacity and gifts as a ruler, but on the contrary, to be posted by Rome to Palestine was anything but a political plum. It was perhaps the lowest land on the imperial totem pole for a young, aspiring Roman administrator to find his stripes.
Source: Jesus before Pilate (Ligonier)
The discussion between Jesus and Pilate covered four main topics: Jesus' kingship, his guilt or innocence, his understanding of truth, and the question of amnesty.
First, there was the question of Jesus being a king. That was front and center in the discussion. Second, there was the discussion of Jesus’ guilt or innocence. Third, there was the discussion recorded by the Apostle John about Jesus’ understanding of truth. Finally, there was the question of amnesty that Mark records in his gospel.
Source: Jesus before Pilate (Ligonier)
Jesus acknowledged that he is a king, specifically stating that his kingdom is transcendent and not of this world.
My kingdom is not of this world. If it were of this world, My subjects would rise up right now and free Me from the mob. But that’s not the kind of king I am. In other words, you have nothing to fear from Me in terms of your political power or the Roman government with Caesar. My kingdom is not of this world. It’s a transcendent kingdom.
Source: Jesus before Pilate (Ligonier)
Jesus' kingdom is transcendent and not tied to the political power or government of the world.
My kingdom is not of this world. If it were of this world, My subjects would rise up right now and free Me from the mob. But that’s not the kind of king I am. In other words, you have nothing to fear from Me in terms of your political power or the Roman government with Caesar. My kingdom is not of this world. It’s a transcendent kingdom.
Source: Jesus before Pilate (Ligonier)
The trial of Jesus was conducted at the high priest's home, which was an unusual and illegal location for a Sanhedrin meeting.
What is remarkable about this mention of Jesus’ being led away to the high priest and the assembly of the Sanhedrin, which was the ruling body of the Jews, is that they did not take Him to the customary meeting place of the Sanhedrin. Normally, the Sanhedrin assembled at a place called the Chamber of Hewn-Stone, but this was the only time in recorded Jewish history that a trial was conducted at night, which was illegal, and at the home of the high priest.
Source: Jesus before the Sanhedrin (Ligonier)
People who claim to follow Jesus may be keeping a safe distance from Him, which is indicated by whether their associates know about their Christian allegiance.
I am simply asking, “Do they know where your allegiance is?” If they do not know, then perhaps you are keeping a safe distance from your Savior.
Source: Jesus before the Sanhedrin (Ligonier)
The core accusation against Jesus was not merely claiming to be the Messiah, but identifying himself as the Son of God.
But what they considered blasphemous was His identifying Himself as the Son of God. Even there, the charge was without Jewish legal foundation.
Source: Jesus before the Sanhedrin (Ligonier)
Jesus intentionally withdrew from the crowds and disciples after performing miracles to prevent them from making him king.
In His own way, He put to rest any spontaneous moves to make Him king.
Source: Jesus Walking on Water (Ligonier)
The Messiah's arrival is imminent and will bring a kingdom that is about to break through.
He’s not just coming sometime in the future, but He’s right around the corner. It’s about to happen any moment. The kingdom is going to break through very shortly, and dear people, you’re not ready.
Source: John the Baptist (Ligonier)
James and John's request to Jesus was motivated by a desire for status and power within the coming kingdom.
What they wanted from Jesus was status. What they wanted from Jesus was to be placed in a position of power.
Source: Kingdom Climbers (Ligonier)
The Father determines who will sit at Christ's right and left hand, and these appointments are settled in eternity.
The Father will determine who will sit at My right hand and who will sit at My left hand. Further, if you’re asking for that appointment today, you’re too late. That was settled in eternity. It is for those for whom it is prepared.
Source: Kingdom Climbers (Ligonier)
During Jewish feasts, large numbers of people from all over the area would travel to Jerusalem, making it a massive gathering point.
1.1 million people did not live in Jerusalem, but during Jewish feasts, Jews from all over the area would go up to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast. The only place it was lawful to celebrate Passover was in Jerusalem.
Source: The Last Supper (Ligonier)
Marriage was originally intended by God to be a permanent union with no provisions for divorce.
When God instituted marriage originally, there were no provisions for divorce. None. Marriage was intended to be forever.
Source: Marriage and Divorce (Ligonier)
Jesus taught that when the kingdom of God is present, the appropriate response is celebration and feasting, not fasting.
Nobody fasts at a wedding while the bridegroom is there. There’s no fasting. Rather, everybody is rejoicing. Everybody is celebrating.
Source: New Wine Skins (Ligonier)
The new reality brought by Christ requires people to dismantle old structures that prevent them from receiving Him.
You can’t deal with the King unless you make room for Him by getting rid of the structures that would make it impossible for you to receive Him.
Source: New Wine Skins (Ligonier)
Jesus warned his disciples that they must be careful because there would be attempts to deceive them about the matters of the kingdom.
The text says: “And Jesus, answering them, began to say: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you.’”
Source: The Olivet Discourse (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The detailed future predictions of Jesus regarding the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem provide compelling evidence of the supernatural character of the Bible and the person of Jesus.
I mentioned there is no passage in the New Testament that gives more compelling evidence of the supernatural character of the Bible and the person of Jesus in terms of His detailed future predictions of the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem, which came to pass within one generation.
Source: The Olivet Discourse (Part 2) (Ligonier)
God's sowing of His Word is sovereign and ensures that His intended plan will be accomplished.
God’s sowing is sovereign, and it brings to pass what He intends for it to bring to pass.
Source: The Parable of the Sower (Ligonier)
God promises that His Word will not return to Him void.
We know that God, the sower, promises that His Word will not return unto Him void.
Source: The Parable of the Sower (Ligonier)
Entering the kingdom of God requires divine intervention, as nobody can come to God without it being given by the Father.
Jesus told His disciples in John 6 that nobody can come to Him unless it is given to Him by the Father.
Source: The Parable of the Sower (Ligonier)
The wine-growing industry was an ancient and important agricultural endeavor in Israel.
I might add in passing that this process of growing vineyards had its roots in antiquity among the Jews, and the purpose of growing the vine was to make wine, not grape juice.
Source: The Parable of the Vinedressers (Ligonier)
The vineyard represents Israel, which is owned by God.
How easy is it to see that the vineyard represents Israel? The vineyard is owned by God.
Source: The Parable of the Vinedressers (Ligonier)
The owner is God, and the son is God's beloved.
Clearly, the owner is God. It was obvious to every Pharisee there that Jesus was talking about the care of the people of God.
Source: The Parable of the Vinedressers (Ligonier)
Nothing is hidden or kept secret that will not eventually be revealed or brought to light.
For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.
Source: Parables of the Kingdom (Ligonier)
Humans cannot perceive the full scope of what is happening with the Kingdom of God.
You cannot perceive all that is going on with the kingdom of God.
Source: Parables of the Kingdom (Ligonier)
The Sadducees maintained a limited view of the canon, recognizing only the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) as the Word of God.
The Sadducees had a much more restricted view of the canon, recognizing only the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, as the Word of God.
Source: The Resurrection (Ligonier)
Entering the kingdom of God requires one to receive it with the humility of a little child.
Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.
Source: The Rich Young Ruler (Ligonier)
Goodness is a relative term that is ultimately defined by the character of God.
Good is a relative term, and we use it by comparing one person to another. We compare ourselves to each other, just as we talk about animals.
Source: The Rich Young Ruler (Ligonier)
The rich young ruler approached Jesus with great respect, using an unusual form of address for a rabbi.
He falls on his knees before Jesus, and he uses a form of address that was somewhat unusual and rare among the Jews when he says to Him, “Good Teacher,” or, “Good Rabbi.”
Source: The Rich Young Ruler (Ligonier)
Entering the kingdom requires receiving it by grace alone, as one cannot earn or deserve it.
You can’t buy it. You can’t earn it. You can’t possibly deserve it. You have to receive it. It’s by grace and grace alone.
Source: The Rich Young Ruler (Ligonier)
Jesus' instructions to the rich young ruler were specific to him and did not establish a universal rule for all people entering the kingdom.
Understand that Jesus is not setting down a universal rule for anybody to enter the kingdom of God. He is not saying that everyone must divest themselves of all private property, enter a monastery, become an ascetic in the wilderness, take an oath of poverty, or seek redemption through poverty mysticism.
Source: The Rich Young Ruler (Ligonier)
The rich young ruler's true idol was money, which was the thing he lacked and which stood ahead of God in his life.
Jesus knew that money was this man’s god. Money was this man’s idol. Maybe he went to synagogue and temple worship, but all week long his mind was consumed with questions of wealth. What would his final estate be? The money ranked ahead of God. It’s all that he lacked.
Source: The Rich Young Ruler (Ligonier)
By trusting in Christ and abandoning self-reliance, one can receive the inheritance necessary for the kingdom of God.
By faith, when you put your trust in Christ and Christ alone and despair of your own wealth, you let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also, and cling to Jesus. Then you receive the inheritance that you need to get into the kingdom of God.
Source: The Rich Young Ruler (Ligonier)
There is no neutral ground in the kingdom of God; one must be either for Christ or against Him.
There is no such thing as indifference to Christ. You are either for Him, or you are against Him. In the kingdom of God, there is no neutral ground.
Source: The Sending of the Disciples (Ligonier)
True greatness in the kingdom of God is achieved not by seeking status, but by being a servant to all.
It doesn’t mean seeking to sit at the right hand or the left hand, but Jesus explained to His disciples that to be great in the kingdom of God, you have to be the servant of all.
Source: Son of Man, A Servant (Ligonier)
Bartimaeus's request was simple and focused only on regaining his physical sight, not on status or glory in the kingdom.
The blind man said: “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight. I’m not asking for status. I’m not asking for glory. I’m not asking to be exalted in Your kingdom. I’m just begging You for something that almost every human being already enjoys. Lord, I just want to be able to see.”
Source: Son of Man, A Servant (Ligonier)
The region of Tyre and Sidon was historically known for its intense idolatry and pagan practices.
It was also that region that the rabbis of antiquity assessed as the region most grossly committed to paganism. There is paganism, and then there is paganism . The paganism in and around Tyre and Sidon in this region was notorious for its wholesale activity with respect to idolatry.
Source: The Syro-Phoenician Woman (Ligonier)
The speaker suggests that the placement of Mark 9:1 at the beginning of chapter 9, rather than the end of chapter 8, is questionable.
The first question I have is, Why in the world is verse 1 in chapter 9 and not at the end of chapter 8?
Source: Transfiguration (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The phrase 'Some of you will not taste death' means that some people will live until they see the kingdom of God established in power.
Jesus says, “Some of you who are present will not taste death [which means “will not die”] until you see the kingdom of God present in power.”
Source: Transfiguration (Part 1) (Ligonier)
Jesus' statement about not going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes refers to the Son of Man's arrival, not the time the kingdom of God comes in power.
He refers not to the time that they will see the kingdom of God coming in power, but rather He speaks of the Son of Man coming.
Source: Transfiguration (Part 1) (Ligonier)
Jesus taught that when people see these signs, they should know that the coming of the Son of Man is near.
So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!
Source: Transfiguration (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The Spirit of the Lord is described as overshadowing Mary in the announcement of Jesus' birth.
And the angel says, “The Spirit of the Lord will overshadow you, so that that which is born unto you will be the child of the Most High God” (Luke 1:34–35).
Source: Transfiguration (Part 2) (Ligonier)
A kingdom or house that is divided against itself cannot stand.
If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
Source: The Unpardonable Sin (Ligonier)
The disciples were arguing among themselves about who would be the greatest in the coming kingdom.
Our Lord had just told them that He is on His way to Jerusalem to suffer and die, and they’re having a debate as to who would be the greatest among them in the coming kingdom.
Source: Who Is the Greatest? (Ligonier)
The Mary and Martha mentioned in the passage are likely the same individuals who hosted Jesus at Bethany, the home of their brother Lazarus.
Presumably, the Mary and Martha mentioned here are the Mary and Martha that we meet elsewhere, particularly in John’s gospel. They are the Mary and Martha whose brother, Lazarus, Jesus raised from the dead.
Source: Martha & Mary (Ligonier)
The great issue that divided factions at Vatican II was whether Mary should be regarded as co-redemptrix alongside Jesus.
the great issue that divided them was whether Mary should be regarded not only as mediatrix but as co-redemptrix; that is, as a co-redeemer of the church with Jesus.
Source: Mary's Fiat (Ligonier)
The church, not Mary, is the queen of the universe.
The church is the queen of the universe. The church is the bride of Christ, and Christ is the King, and His only queen is His bride, not His mother.
Source: Mary's Fiat (Ligonier)
Songs are a consistent literary device throughout Scripture, culminating in a new song for the people of Christ's kingdom.
You see songs all the way to the book of Revelation, which tells us that when the kingdom of Christ is consummated, He will give His people a new song.
Source: Mary's Visit to Elizabeth (Ligonier)
Songs are a recurring theme throughout the Bible, appearing from the Old Testament through to the New Testament.
You see songs all the way to the book of Revelation, which tells us that when the kingdom of Christ is consummated, He will give His people a new song.
Source: Mary's Visit to Elizabeth (Ligonier)
Jesus is the only one who has been raised and elevated to the right hand of God the Father, where He currently sits as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Only Jesus has been raised and elevated to the right hand of God the Father, where He sits right now as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Source: Message from John the Baptist (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The current era, following Christ's ascension, represents a superior redemptive-historical situation compared to the Old Testament period.
Anyone born after the cross, after the resurrection, and particularly after the ascension of Christ to the right hand of the Father is living in a better redemptive-historical situation than all the saints in the Old Testament.
Source: Message from John the Baptist (Part 2) (Ligonier)
Regardless of political or economic turmoil, Jesus Christ will remain King.
I guarantee you that Jesus Christ will still be King. Whoever wins elections, Jesus Christ will still be King.
Source: Message from John the Baptist (Part 2) (Ligonier)
The 'way' that must be prepared is not the way of a king, but the way of God, requiring people to straighten out their lives and hearts.
So, John says, “Prepare the way,” not of the king, but the way of God. Make His paths straight. If the paths have been overgrown, and they’re winding around obstacles, clear away the obstacles, get rid of the bends and the curves, and make this way straight.
Source: The Ministry of John the Baptist (Ligonier)
Jesus warned that those who turn away from the nearness of the kingdom of God will face a judgment worse than that of Sodom and Gomorrah.
If you leave and turn away from the nearness of the kingdom of God to you, dear one, on the Day of Judgment it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than it will be for you.
Source: The Mission of the Seventy-Two (Ligonier)
Jesus taught that entering into God's kingdom requires striving through the narrow gate, because many people will seek entry but fail.
Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
Source: The Narrow Way (Ligonier)
All people are naturally in a state of rebellion and hostility toward God.
Every man, woman, and child in the world is in a natural state of rebellion and hostility to almighty God.
Source: The Narrow Way (Ligonier)
Once the door to the kingdom of God is shut, no one can reopen it.
Beloved, once the door is shut, there is nothing you or I can do to get it open.
Source: The Narrow Way (Ligonier)
The Pharisees' interactions with Jesus were generally attempts to trap, trick, or arrest him.
Every time we see the Pharisees coming to Jesus, they were trying to trap Him, trick Him, arrest Him, or find a way to get Him executed.
Source: The Narrow Way (Ligonier)
The arrival of Jesus and the kingdom of God cannot simply be overlaid onto existing traditions, requiring a fundamental change in the believer.
What Jesus was saying is simple: you can’t take the kingdom of God and the arrival of Jesus and simply put it on top of the Pharisees’ traditions. It won’t fit.
Source: New Wineskins (Ligonier)
The speaker argues that the Scriptures primarily speak of Nazareth, not Bethlehem, as Jesus's place of origin and home.
The only problem is that in John’s gospel and everywhere else in the New Testament, although Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the Scriptures primarily speak of His place of origin as Nazareth.
Source: The Nobleman's Son (Ligonier)
The Scriptures primarily indicate that Jesus' place of origin and where he grew up was Nazareth, not Galilee or Bethlehem.
The only problem is that in John’s gospel and everywhere else in the New Testament, although Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the Scriptures primarily speak of His place of origin as Nazareth. That was where He grew up.
Source: The Nobleman's Son (Ligonier)
The authorities decided to issue a severe threat, forbidding the Apostles from ever speaking the name of Jesus again.
Let’s make our threat severe that from now on they speak to no man in this name.
Source: Obeying God or Man? (Ligonier)
Repentance must happen immediately, as one cannot assume future patience or grace from God.
In this amplification, what our Lord was saying was not, “If you repent someday ,” but, “ Now is the time.” You cannot assume three more years of patience, three more years of longsuffering.
Source: The Parable of the Barren Fig (Ligonier)
Modern people tend to focus excessively on worldly matters, neglecting thoughts of eternity and the kingdom of God.
Typically, however, our whole concentration is fixed on this world. We rarely think of heaven or eternal matters.
Source: The Parable of the Great Supper (Ligonier)
The feast being discussed is Jesus' own banquet, not that of an anonymous king or ruler.
The feast is Jesus’ feast. It is His banquet, and He said, “None of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.”
Source: The Parable of the Great Supper (Ligonier)
The Bible is not silent regarding how kingdoms should rule or how economics should function.
The statement revealed in Jesus’ parable of the minas, recorded for us by Luke, is loaded with political and economic significance. The Bible is by no means silent about how kingdoms should rule and how economics should play out.
Source: The Parable of the Minas (Ligonier)
The Ten Commandments directly concern the protection of private ownership by prohibiting theft and addressing covetousness.
The Ten Commandments, at least in two of them, are directly concerned with protecting private ownership, as they prohibit all forms of theft and stealing. They also protect those who have private property from the insidious evil of covetousness and jealousy, where people begin to be motivated by envy and covetousness of other people’s property.
Source: The Parable of the Minas (Ligonier)
The spiritual dynamic of the kingdom of God operates on the same principle of production found in economics, requiring people to live below their means and produce goods.
In stewardship principles, we are to live on less than what we make and be producing more goods with our goods. The basic lesson of capitalism is that your money works for you while you sleep, because instead of wasteful consumption you invest in industry. That is the economic return, but we are considering something greater than the economic concern: the spiritual dynamic of the kingdom of God, which is based on the same principle of production.
Source: The Parable of the Minas (Ligonier)
Christians have a duty and privilege to actively increase the ministry of the gospel of the kingdom of God.
As Christians, it is our duty and privilege to do everything in our power to increase the ministry of the gospel of the kingdom of God.
Source: The Parable of the Minas (Ligonier)
Jesus' primary concern in his ministry was proclaiming the kingdom of God, rather than settling disputes over inheritance.
At this point in His ministry, Jesus was much more concerned about proclaiming the kingdom of God than settling disputes among siblings over the degree of their inheritance.
Source: The Parable of the Rich Fool (Ligonier)
Worldly goods are not owned by us, but are instead held by God, making us stewards of them.
Everything that you and I have comes from God. We do not own it; He does. We are stewards in the kingdom of God.
Source: The Parable of the Unjust Steward (Ligonier)
A true believer should naturally and supernaturally tithe, giving at least 10% of their income to God's kingdom.
If you are a believer, you give at least 10% of your income to the kingdom of God.
Source: The Parable of the Unjust Steward (Ligonier)
Giving money, including tithing, will not earn one's way into the kingdom of God or heaven.
No one has ever bought themselves into the kingdom of God. There are those who have tried, but you cannot buy your way into the kingdom of God.
Source: The Parable of the Unjust Steward (Ligonier)
If one is not faithful with worldly goods in relation to the kingdom of God, they cannot expect God's blessing.
If you are not faithful with how you handle your worldly goods in terms of the kingdom of God, if everything else comes first and you give God what is left, how can you expect Him to bless your life?
Source: The Parable of the Unjust Steward (Ligonier)
It is impossible to serve both worldly goods (mammon) and the kingdom of God (Christ).
You cannot do it. You cannot serve your worldly goods and serve the kingdom of God. If your worldly goods are your master, Christ cannot be your master. If Christ is your master, your worldly goods cannot be your master.
Source: The Parable of the Unjust Steward (Ligonier)
Archaeological evidence, specifically a stele, confirmed that Cyprus was shifted from Caesar's dominion to the Senate's dominion early during Claudius' reign, thereby vindicating Luke's use of the title proconsul.
In our own day, a stele that was set up during the reign of Claudius, who reigned at the time of Paul and Baranabas’ trip, indicated that the island of Cyprus was shifted from the dominion of Caesar to the dominion of the Senate early on during Claudius’ reign, and the local ruler at that time was then appointed the title proconsul .
Source: Paul at Cyprus (Ligonier)
Saul was actively and legally persecuting Christians, seeking authorization to arrest them in Damascus.
Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
Source: Paul's Conversion (Ligonier)
Saul obtained legal authority from the high priest to arrest Christians in Damascus and bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment.
Before Saul left, he went to the high priest to seek authorization to carry out the persecution he had already initiated in Jerusalem to those who might be in the northern regions in Damascus, which is one of the oldest cities in the world—it was known even to Abraham in antiquity. We know there was a large settlement of Jews in Damascus because Nero killed ten thousand Jews assembled in Damascus during his reign. Saul, suspecting that some of the Jews in Damascus had already been seduced by the proclamation of the Christians about Jesus, went and got the necessary papers to carry with him to Damascus.
Source: Paul's Conversion (Ligonier)
Persecuting the people of God is equivalent to persecuting Jesus Christ.
The saints right now around the world who are daily under attack and being killed at the hands of hostile and violent unbelievers are being persecuted for Christ’s sake, and those who are persecuting them are persecuting Jesus.
Source: Paul's Conversion (Ligonier)
The location of Antioch was historically dangerous, making overland travel through it perilous.
What is significant about Antioch’s location is that in the ancient world, the inland route from Perga to Pisidia Antioch went between mountains and was notorious as a haven for highway bandits and robbers. It was exceedingly dangerous to make that journey overland through a place surrounded by caravan robbers and so on.
Source: Paul's Sermon at Antioch (Ligonier)
Paul's teaching emphasizes the doctrine of election, stating that God chose the people of Israel.
The God of this people Israel chose our fathers.
Source: Paul's Sermon at Antioch (Ligonier)
During the period before the monarchy, Israel was governed by charismatic judges, not by a royal dynasty.
God raised up individuals and anointed them with His Holy Spirit to rescue God’s people in times of trouble.
Source: Paul's Sermon at Antioch (Ligonier)
God warned Israel about the negative consequences of wanting a king, detailing the burdens and confiscations that would follow.
He is going to put a tax on your property, a tax on your income, a tax on your horses, and a tax on everything else he can find to tax.
Source: Paul's Sermon at Antioch (Ligonier)
Paul's preaching emphasized that God made a covenant with David, promising a kingdom that would last forever through David’s greater Son.
He reminded the Jewish people that when they looked back at the golden age of Israel, God made a covenant with David and promised them a kingdom that would last forever through David’s greater Son, who would also be David’s Lord.
Source: Paul's Sermon at Antioch (Ligonier)
The 'Herod the king' mentioned in the book of Acts is not Herod the Great, but rather the first Herod Agrippa.
Who is this “Herod the king?” This is not the Herod who slaughtered the infants at the time of the birth of Jesus. This is not Herod the Great. In fact, it is the grandson of Herod the Great, the first Herod Agrippa that we encounter in the book of Acts.
Source: Peter in Prison (Ligonier)
King Agrippa eventually gained control of the entire country, including Jerusalem and Judea, under the reign of Claudius.
Under the reign of Claudius, the rest of the nation, including Jerusalem and Judea, which traditionally had been governed and ruled by a Roman prefect like Pontius Pilate, was given back into the hands of one of the Hasmonean dynasty of kings, King Agrippa. He now had control of the entire country.
Source: Peter in Prison (Ligonier)
Prayer is not a form of magic or a mechanism for controlling God's actions.
Let us not confuse prayer with magic, or God with a cosmic bellhop who is there to do our bidding, and when He does not get our order right, we send it back to the kitchen and refuse to give Him a tip. That is not how prayer works.
Source: Peter in Prison (Ligonier)
The opening of the iron gate should remind people of God's work in history, similar to automatic doors.
Here is something I’ll give you to remember this work of God in history. The next time you go to the mall or any building with automatic doors, when you approach the door and the door swings open without your touching it, remember what God did this night in Jerusalem.
Source: Peter in Prison (Ligonier)
Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father, where he was given authority to reign and also fulfilled the role of High Priest.
He would be given that position of authority as the King of kings and as the Lord of lords, and from which chair He would reign over all the earth. But not only did he ascend to His coronation, to His investiture as the King of kings to be seated at the right hand of the Father, but He also ascended to carry out the role of our great High Priest.
Source: Peter's Denial (Ligonier)
Peter emphasizes that Christ is the Holy One of Israel, a title recognized even by the demons.
Another Messianic prophecy from the Old Testament was that the Messiah would be known as the Holy One of Israel. The first to recognize the identity of Christ in the gospel record were the demons who cried out at Jesus, “Why do you come to torment us before the time, O Holy One of Israel?”
Source: Peter's Second Speech (Ligonier)
Jethro advised Moses that his current methods of leadership were inappropriate.
The thing that you do is not good
Source: Peter's Sermon - Part 1 (Ligonier)
Laws based on God's character, such as the Ten Commandments, are permanent and cannot be repealed by God.
For Him ever to repeal that law, which we call the moral law, would be to do violence to His own sanctity and holiness.
Source: Peter's Vision (Ligonier)
Laws derived from God's character are eternal and cannot be changed by changing cultural norms or times.
No, those laws based on God’s character are without repeal. They remain forever. There will never be a time when God will give us permission to blaspheme His name.
Source: Peter's Vision (Ligonier)
The location of the Bethesda pool was in the northern section of Jerusalem, near the Sheep Gate.
But there Jesus is, and we are told, “Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches.” The area of the Sheep Gate was in the northern section of Jerusalem.
Source: The Pool of Bethesda (Ligonier)
God's sovereign election is demonstrated by the example of Jacob and Esau, where God decreed that the elder would serve the younger.
God had decreed that the elder would serve the younger, and that through the mercy of God’s sovereign election, Jacob was loved in a way that Esau was not.
Source: Present Condition of Israel (Ligonier)
Paul addressed the objection that God's election might indicate unrighteousness, answering emphatically in the negative.
He asked the question: “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God?” (Rom. 9:14). He answered emphatically in the negative.
Source: Present Condition of Israel (Ligonier)
Adoption into God's family is an act of God's mercy, giving us affection and status that we have no claim upon.
To be adopted into the family of God means to experience an affection from God that we have no claim upon. There is nothing in us that in the sight of God is lovely. But rather, He has been pleased in His mercy to call us His people, to adopt us into His family when we have no birthright or entitlement to it.
Source: Present Condition of Israel (Ligonier)
Believers participate in sonship through Christ, even though they are not naturally children of God.
Not only do we participate in the family of God, but we know that God has only one Son, and yet because God has placed us in Christ, we participate in that sonship.
Source: Present Condition of Israel (Ligonier)
The vast majority of people who live in this world will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
The consensus based upon the teaching of Scripture was that the vast majority of people who have lived in this world will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Source: Present Condition of Israel (Ligonier)
The Jewish nation failed to find the Messiah because they sought the kingdom of God based on their own righteousness rather than by faith.
This was the tragedy for the Jewish nation: They sought the kingdom of God based on their own righteousness. They missed their Messiah. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law.
Source: Present Condition of Israel (Ligonier)
When Jesus spoke of the Law and the Prophets, he was referring to the entire progress of the Old Testament, including John the Baptist.
When He talked about the Law and the Prophets, He was talking about the whole progress of the Old Testament, which He said went up to and included John the Baptist.
Source: Pressing into the Kingdom (Ligonier)
Entering the kingdom of God requires intense passion, effort, and active pursuit, not a casual or nominal interest.
The kingdom of God has never been a casual affair. Jesus rebuked the church at Laodicea because it was lukewarm. He said, “I would rather you be cold or hot, but if you are lukewarm, I am going to spit you out of My mouth.”
Source: Pressing into the Kingdom (Ligonier)
The title Son of Man refers to the person described in Daniel, who originates from the throne of God and whose mission is to judge the world.
He is identifying with the person described in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament—the One who comes from the very throne of God, who is a heavenly being, and whose mission is to be the judge of the world.
Source: The Prologue of John's Gospel (Ligonier)
True children of God are born not from human effort or will, but directly from God.
To them God gave the authority to be called His children, who were born not of the flesh, not of the will of man, but of God Himself.
Source: The Prologue of John's Gospel (Ligonier)
Believers are called to be certain of their status before God and the promises of God, rather than being hesitant or wavering.
We are called not to vacillate, not to waver in our confidence, but to be sure of our status before God and sure of receiving the promises of God.
Source: The Promise Granted Through Faith (Ligonier)
Jesus taught that entering the kingdom of God requires being born of both water and the Spirit.
Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Source: Rebirth (Ligonier)
Seeing the kingdom of God requires a necessary supernatural birth, which is signaled by the word 'unless.'
I have labored the point many times that the word unless ought to get your antennae up when you see it in the New Testament. It signals a necessary condition, a sine qua non , something that has to happen before the desired consequence will follow.
Source: Rebirth (Ligonier)
Entering God's kingdom requires a supernatural rebirth by the Spirit, as natural birth or human effort is insufficient.
That which is born of the flesh, your natural birth, only gives you flesh. Flesh of that sort is powerless to enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit, and unless you are born of the Spirit of the living God, whatever you do in your flesh will avail nothing toward entering into the kingdom of God.
Source: Rebirth (Ligonier)
Being born into a Christian environment or having a natural birth does not make a person a Christian or capable of entering the kingdom of God.
You may have been born and raised in a Christian home, you may have gone to a Christian school, you may have gone to a Christian college. None of those things make you a Christian.
Source: Rebirth (Ligonier)
Only being born of the Spirit is sufficient for a person to have anything of value toward entering the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the Spirit is spirit, and unless you are born of the Spirit of the living God, whatever you do in your flesh will avail nothing toward entering into the kingdom of God.
Source: Rebirth (Ligonier)
Entering God's kingdom requires a fundamental change initiated by God, specifically the Holy Spirit.
There is an absolute requirement to enter into God’s kingdom: You must be changed by God. God the Holy Spirit must let you out of prison and change the disposition of your soul.
Source: Rebirth (Ligonier)
Jesus's core message was that he broke the established rules or expectations, which was a point that caused conflict with groups like the Pharisees.
No, the bad news is Jesus doesn’t grade on a curve. A lot of people think He will, but there is no curve. The good news is that He broke the curve, but He broke it for us.
Source: Render Unto Caesar (Ligonier)
Throughout Jewish history, the people frequently lived under foreign oppression and tyranny, leading to repeated revolts.
In almost every generation of Jewish people going back to Abraham, the people lived under the domination and oppression of a foreign nation.
Source: Render Unto Caesar (Ligonier)
Jesus posed a challenging question to his opponents regarding the relationship between David's son and David's Lord.
How can David have a son who is also his Lord?
Source: The Resurrection & David's Son (Ligonier)
The title Adonai, or Sovereign One, is reserved for God throughout the Old Testament.
Throughout the Old Testament, that supreme title Adonai , or Sovereign One , is reserved for God.
Source: The Resurrection & David's Son (Ligonier)
The Gospels focus their attention on the identity of Jesus, which is the primary subject of Christian study.
The Gospels focus their attention on who He is, and that is why we are here—to learn of Him, to know Him, to adore Him, and to serve Him.
Source: The Return of the Seventy-Two (Ligonier)
Jesus promised that those who sacrifice everything for the kingdom of God will receive a greater reward in this life and the next.
Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.
Source: The Rich Young Ruler (Ligonier)
Entering the kingdom of God requires more than merely keeping the Ten Commandments.
Jesus listened to the humble statement from the young man and spoke to him, as if to say: “That’s great. It’s a fantastic accomplishment. You’ve kept all these commandments since you were a little boy. There’s just one little thing that you lack. You’ve just missed the mark slightly in your otherwise excellent performance. You’ve almost attained the goal, but there’s just one thing you lack: sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
Source: The Rich Young Ruler (Ligonier)
The young man's failure to give up his wealth resulted in him losing the kingdom.
The rich young ruler kept his money and lost the kingdom. It was the worst transaction he ever made.
Source: The Rich Young Ruler (Ligonier)
Historical events, such as Judas' betrayal and the rulers' conspiracy, were not accidental but were ordained by God from the beginning.
Notice that Jesus said that all these things happened by necessity. It was not an accident that Judas betrayed Jesus that night. It was not an accident that the bloodthirsty rulers of the Jews conspired to destroy Him. These things were ordained from the foundation of the world.
Source: The Road to Emmaus (Ligonier)
A primary biblical test for being a child of God is being led by the Spirit.
As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the children of God.
Source: Sanctification (Ligonier)
When the Holy Spirit communicates to God's people, it always happens through the Word, never against it.
No, beloved, if we learn anything tonight, we need to understand that when the Spirit communicates to God’s people, He communicates to them by the Word, with the Word, through the Word, and never, ever against the Word.
Source: Sanctification (Ligonier)
Believers are considered joint heirs with Christ, who will be glorified with them.
If we are children, we are heirs of God, “joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”
Source: Sanctification (Ligonier)
The speaker warns that the first group of people thrown into the lake of fire will be the cowards, defined as those who fail to act or speak when evil is occurring.
One of the things that frightens me about the judgment recorded in the book of Revelation is that the first group of people who will be thrown into the lake of fire at the last judgment will be the cowards.
Source: Saul of Tarsus (Ligonier)
The book of Acts is fundamentally a history detailing the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
Since it was inspired by the Holy Spirit and is a record of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the endowment of the Holy Spirit on the Apostolic church, and the ministry of the church under the impetus of the Holy Spirit, one could even go so far as to call it the autobiography of the Holy Spirit.
Source: A Second Account (Ligonier)
The book of Acts details the obedience of the early church to the mission given by Christ.
What follows in the rest of the book of Acts is a drama of the highest magnitude, the drama of the obedience of the early church to the mission Christ gave them.
Source: A Second Account (Ligonier)
The early church's mission was to bear witness to the reality of the kingdom in specific geographical areas.
The mission of the early church was to bear witness to the reality of that kingdom in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the utter parts of the earth.
Source: A Second Account (Ligonier)
Hearing Jesus is paramount, and if one refuses to hear Him, they will miss out on everything else.
Do you hear the implication? If you will not hear Jesus, whom will you hear? You can have all the rest, but give me Jesus. If you have Him, you have it all.
Source: Seeking a Sign (Ligonier)
The primary focus of Christian prayer should be the success and extension of the kingdom of God, rather than merely daily personal troubles.
Rather, the main business of our prayer is to pray for the success and extension of the kingdom of God.
Source: A Simple Way to Pray (Ligonier)
The statement that God rested on the seventh day does not mean that God ceased being active.
Jesus is reminding these theologians, who certainly should know better, that when the Bible says, “On the seventh day God rested,” it does not mean that God ceased being active.
Source: The Son of the Father (Ligonier)
God does not merely create the world and step away; rather, He continuously preserves and maintains it.
Rather, whatever God creates, He sustains. He does not just bring it into existence, but He preserves and maintains it.
Source: The Son of the Father (Ligonier)
The universe requires God's constant upholding, otherwise, nothing could continue to exist.
If God were to stop working for one instant, the whole universe would be annihilated because in Him we live and move and have our being.
Source: The Son of the Father (Ligonier)
God uses plagues and serpents as a form of judgment against the ungrateful rebellion of His people.
God responds to the rebellion of His people by sending a plague on them. This time, the plague is not against the Egyptians. It is against them.
Source: The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up (Ligonier)
The text indicates that Jesus was circumcised eight days after his birth.
Look at the beginning of the section that I read: “And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.”
Source: Song of Simeon (Ligonier)
The speaker asserts that the accusers' testimony was entirely false, except for the specific claim that Jesus would destroy the temple.
Before we go on, let me just remind you that not a single word of what these witnesses said was true, except that Jesus did indeed say He would destroy the temple.
Source: Stephen on Trial (Ligonier)
The false witnesses' accusations were part of a larger conspiracy against Jesus.
But the way Jesus’ words were twisted in the mouths of the false witnesses was all part of their grand conspiracy against the eloquent spokesman for Christ in their midst.
Source: Stephen on Trial (Ligonier)
Stephen's defense followed a historical pattern, starting with Abraham and tracing God's covenant promises through subsequent generations.
Stephen went back to Abraham. He essentially said: “You remember Abraham. You want to know if these charges are true? Think about Abraham. Don’t you remember that God called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldeans and made a covenant with Abraham?
Source: Stephen on Trial (Ligonier)
God's plan and protection were evident throughout Israel's history, even during times of slavery and oppression.
Stephen recounted that in those desperate times of famine when Joseph was the prime minister, God told Jacob to go down into Egypt with his family and reside there, where there was plenty of food to eat.
Source: Stephen on Trial (Ligonier)
Every person, including believers, will eventually stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
I do not know when, but I know for sure that every person will someday stand before the judgment seat of Christ. It is inescapable.
Source: Stephen on Trial (Ligonier)
Christ serves as our advocate and defense attorney before the Father, a role that God appointed for Him.
The first One to be given the title of paraklētos in the New Testament is Christ, who is our advocate with the Father, our defense attorney. God has appointed Him both judge and defense attorney.
Source: Stephen on Trial (Ligonier)
Every Christian is chosen by Christ to be an instrument for carrying His name to others.
Each one here who is a Christian has been chosen by Christ to be Christ’s instrument to carry His name to your neighbor, to your business associates, and your family.
Source: The Street Called Straight (Ligonier)
Carrying the name of Jesus in the current era is a very serious and demanding task.
To carry the name of Jesus in this day and age can be weighty business indeed.
Source: The Street Called Straight (Ligonier)
Civil government is an institution established by God alone, not merely a human invention.
We see in Romans 13:1–3 that the civil magistrate is not an afterthought that comes into being through the machinations of human invention, but civil government is an institution established by God alone.
Source: Submit to Government (Part 1) (Ligonier)
Civil magistrates are viewed as God's ministers who are responsible for executing wrath against evil.
for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
Source: Submit to Government (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The power of the sword given to civil magistrates is a serious subject that requires further detailed study.
That subject is so laden with important content that I have elected to wait until our next session to explore it.
Source: Submit to Government (Part 1) (Ligonier)
Jesus established necessary criteria for entering His kingdom, which are exemplified by the willingness of children to approach Him.
Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.
Source: Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me (Ligonier)
The kingdom of God belongs to those who are like little children, and those who do not receive it as such cannot enter it.
Do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.
Source: Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me (Ligonier)
To belong to the kingdom of God, one must possess the characteristics of a little child.
Those that are like these little ones, to such belong the kingdom of God.
Source: Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me (Ligonier)
The creation eagerly anticipates the revelation of the sons of God.
Paul continues, “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.”
Source: From Suffering to Glory (Part 1) (Ligonier)
God orders all things that happen and works them together for the good of His people.
by which You order all things that come to pass and work them together for the good of those who are Your people
Source: From Suffering to Glory (Part 2) (Ligonier)
The Greek word 'ponēros' refers specifically to Satan, whom Scripture calls the prince of lies.
In this case, however, it is the Greek word ponēros , which literally means not “evil” in general but “the evil one.” The word ponēros is a title ascribed by sacred Scripture to the prince of lies, Satan himself.
Source: The Temptation of Jesus (Ligonier)
Jesus used parables, such as the parable of the minas, to explain that the establishment of God's kingdom would be delayed.
Among the reasons was that Jesus understood His kingdom was not going to come immediately. He also understood that vast multitudes of people expected the kingdom immediately, so Jesus gave the parable to explain the idea of a delay between His going away and His return to finally establish His kingdom.
Source: The Triumphal Entry (Ligonier)
Jesus intentionally entered Jerusalem riding a donkey, symbolizing a meek and lowly kingship rather than a military one.
He said to His disciples: “The Son of Man now must be betrayed. He must be given over to the hands of the gentiles where He must now suffer and die.”
Source: The Triumphal Entry (Ligonier)
The stones and creation itself will testify about Christ's kingship, even if human beings remain silent or hostile.
If My disciples are silent, even the stones will cry out. The stones that have no tongue, no mouth, and no lips will begin to scream: ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. This is our King, the King of all creation.’
Source: The Triumphal Entry (Ligonier)
The zealots were politically motivated, aiming to overthrow the Roman government and expel the Romans from the land.
The zealots were not zealous simply about spiritual matters, but the object of their zeal was political. These were the men who came together and were passionately committed to the overthrow of the Roman government and the hope of driving them from the land.
Source: The Twelve Apostles (Part 3) (Ligonier)
One scholarly theory suggests that the name Iscariot refers to a place in Judea called Kerioth, implying Judas was from the south.
Some argue that it simply refers to a section of Israel in Judea named Kerioth, so Judas Iscariot was from that place in Judea. If that were the case, that would mean that Judas would be the only one of the twelve who was not a Galilean, but rather came from the south.
Source: The Twelve Apostles (Part 3) (Ligonier)
It is inevitable that offenses and temptations will occur in this world until the kingdom of God is fully established.
It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!
Source: Unprofitable Servants (Ligonier)
All human actions, even a life of perfect righteousness, are merely fulfilling one's duty and do not earn merit for the kingdom of God.
If I live a life of perfect holiness, I have done nothing of merit. I have added nothing to the weights and measures of the kingdom of God because I have simply done what was my duty to do.
Source: Unprofitable Servants (Ligonier)
All actions should be performed before God, under His authority, and for His glory, rather than being bound to worldly ambitions.
Everything we do should be done before God, under His authority, and to His glory, not bound to the world and the ambitions that define our earthly estate.
Source: The Way of Humility (Ligonier)
The signs wrought by Christ point both to His person and to His work of bringing about the kingdom of God.
The New Testament tells us that the signs wrought by Christ first call attention to Him as One who speaks the unvarnished Word of truth—that is, the miracle represents God’s accreditation that this person was sent from Him. But also, in Jesus’ case, His signs point not only to His person but to His work of bringing to pass the “breaking in” of the kingdom of God.
Source: The Wedding Feast (Ligonier)
The first sign Jesus performed at the wedding was significant because it points to the 'breaking in' of the kingdom of God.
That is important for us to understand, because I think it is interesting that the very first sign that Jesus does takes place at a wedding. It is a sign that seems almost profane, since it involves the making of wine for thirsty guests.
Source: The Wedding Feast (Ligonier)
The miracle of the wine points to Jesus's new ministry and the new kingdom that has arrived.
It is a miracle that points not only to Him but to the new kingdom that has come to pass, to the new wine.
Source: The Wedding Feast (Ligonier)
John the Baptist explicitly denied being the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet when questioned by the Jewish authorities.
He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”
Source: Who Are You? (Ligonier)
John the Baptist's testimony points the audience's attention away from himself and toward the Messiah, whom he announces.
He is focusing our attention not on John the Baptist but on the One whom John announces, telling the people, “It’s time to make straight the highway of our God.”
Source: Who Are You? (Ligonier)
The speaker warns that the religious leaders have taken away the key of knowledge by failing to enter into it themselves.
Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.
Source: Woes to Hypocrites (Ligonier)
The religious leaders were actively preventing people from entering into the kingdom of God by withholding knowledge.
“Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”
Source: Woes to Hypocrites (Ligonier)
Jesus traveled directly through Samaria to Galilee, which was a deviation from the usual route taken by Jews traveling from Judea to Galilee.
Jesus may have been in a hurry, so He decided to go directly through Samaria to Galilee.
Source: The Woman at the Well (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The well at Sychar is an ancient site that has provided water for four thousand years, connecting the present encounter to the time of Jacob.
That well has been meeting the people’s needs for four thousand years.
Source: The Woman at the Well (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The historical claim that Jews had no dealings with Samaritans is incorrect; they had various forms of interaction.
Unfortunately, this is a bad translation of this verse, because it is not true that the Jews did not have any dealings with the Samaritans. They had all kinds of dealings with the Samaritans.
Source: The Woman at the Well (Part 1) (Ligonier)
The Bible records that God laughs, specifically in a derisive manner when people plot against Him.
The Bible does say that God laughs. In the Psalms it’s a derisive laugh. When the kings of the world set themselves against God and take counsel against God, it says that he who sits in the heavens shall laugh. God will hold them in derision.
Understanding humor and laughter requires knowledge of the original language and cultural context.
When we translate any language into another, we will often miss subtle nuances of speech. If we don’t have a knowledge of the original language and its idioms, we might miss the humor.
The speaker strongly cautions against the practice of casting lots, comparing it to magic and calling it a dangerous practice in the Christian community.
Casting lots is like a substitution of magic, and that kind of thing goes on a lot in the Christian community today. It’s a very, very dangerous business. I caution against it.
Source: Should we cast lots today to help us make decisions? (Ligonier Q&A)
All individuals functioning in the state are under the authority of Christ.
He’s also ordained the state, and all who are functioning in that role are under the authority of Christ, who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Source: What is the role of civil authorities in the Christian life? (Ligonier Q&A)
The priesthood of all believers means that every Christian is called to participate in building the kingdom of God.
What he was saying by the priesthood of all believers is that every believer is called to participate in the establishing and building of the kingdom of God.
Source: What is the doctrine of vocation? (Ligonier Q&A)
God revealed Himself to individuals using their original names, such as Abraham, Jacob, and even when referring to the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Again, though, God revealed Himself first to Abraham, when he was Abram. Then, He revealed Himself to Jacob while he was still called Jacob. So, when God revealed Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He’s talking about His history with His people.
Source: Why did God still call Israel “Jacob” after changing his name? (Ligonier Q&A)
Luke wrote the book of Acts to provide the early history of the Christian church, which is vital for understanding its origins, mission, and doctrine.
He wrote his Gospel, but he also wrote the early history of the Christian church, which was very important for the church to understand its origins, its mission, and its doctrine.
Source: Why should Christians study history? (Ligonier Q&A)