When the term Reformed theology is used, it often refers to something less historical. Often it refers to a theology that acknowledges the doctrine of predestination and holds to a high view of the Bible as God’s inerrant Word. Sometimes it is also identified with the so-called five points of Calvinism: total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of the saints. These are all important teachings of the Reformed tradition, but they do not fully encapsulate or describe Reformed theology. A better starting place is five statements that have been called the five solas of the Reformation. These five solas (sola is the Latin word for “only” or “alone”) are sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), and soli Deo gloria (God’s glory alone). Put together, these solas clearly express the central concerns of the Protestant Reformation, which was about worship and authority within the church as much as it was about individual salvation. The “alone” in each is vital, and they emphasize the sufficiency of God’s Word and the gracious nature of salvation, received by faith alone, in Christ alone. The last of the five solas, soli Deo gloria, is the natural outworking of the first four. It reminds us that Reformed theology understands all of life in terms of the glory of God. To be Reformed in our thinking is to be God-centered. Salvation is from the Lord from beginning to end, and even our existence is a gift from Him.
Biblical Talks Encouraging Word for the Week, with Rachel Tolliver: A Divine Gift Beyond Self-Effort
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Salvation is not for those who want to be more religious, it is not for those who try harder to be good, it is not for those who live morally improved lives, it is not for those who turn away from certain vices, it is not for those who diminish evil behaviors and intensify noble and good behaviors. The kingdom of God is only open to those who abandon all self-effort to earn their way. John MacArthu...
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This is a spotlight on the Scripture Proverbs 26:1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool. The Bible, especially Proverbs, has a great deal to say about the fool. This doesn't refer to someone who is mentally lacking. God isn't talking about a simple-minded person or someone with a mental issue. The fool God mentions can be a brilliant person, even someo...
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Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good.
So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I ...
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In Philippians 4:6 Paul said “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Do you know that, every time we begin to be anxious or worry God is giving us an opportunity, to come to him? When we are nervous over things that come in our lives, we should see that as a call from God telling us that it’s time to p...
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Hello, my name is Michelle Tolliver Biblical talks book offered for February is Everyone wants to be significant. To a certain extent, this is natural and good—evidence of our God-given desire for meaning and purpose. However, our longing for significance can easily twist into an insatiable craving for approval, recognition, and praise—and, if left unchecked, this craving will enslave us. In Glory H...
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This is a spotlight on the Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Transformation!
Spiritual transformation is an internal change that reflects the character of Christ and brings about an identical external change. Tran...
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Paul said in Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer made this important statement about God's grace and God's love in his book, The Ephesian Letter Doctrinally Considered.A sharp distinction is properly drawn between the compassionate love of God for sinners and His grace which is now offe...
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Have a blessed day, and thanks for listening! Visit my website to learn more at https://www.biblicaltalks.com
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This is a spotlight on the Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seat...
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Paul said in Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer made this important statement about God's grace and God's love in his book, The Ephesian Letter Doctrinally Considered.A sharp distinction is properly drawn between the compassionate love of God for sinners and His grace which is now offe...
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This a spotlight on the Scripture 2 Corinthians 12:7: So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
Beloved of the Lord God knows how to teach us to pray. He will put us in situations where prayer is our only option. Have you ever been there? In ...
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The faith that I am able to exercise is indeed God’s gift. He alone supports it, and He alone can increase it. Moment by moment, I depend on Him. If I were left to myself, my faith would utterly fail – George Mueller
Faith involves certain objects presented to our minds, a capacity to perceive them, and a willingness to attend to and act on them. In the case of gospel faith, God provides both the ob...
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2 Corinthians 12:7: So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
Beloved of the Lord God knows how to teach us to pray. He will put us in situations where prayer is our only option. Have you ever been there? In 2 Corinthians 12:7 Paul said” But I...
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Happy New Year.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
His sheep hear His voice. And they follow Him. The brand of ownership on the sheep is obedience. Do you want to know whether a person is saved or not? Then see if he is obeying Christ. Our ears must be open to His voice. “The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
May we his’s shee...
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John Newton, the author of the song Amazing Grace, said “I am not the man I ought to be, I am not the man I wish to be and I am not the man I hope to be, but by the grace of God, I am not the man I used to be. 2 Corinthians says If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; listen, God has brought about a spiritual transformation inside of you, you are not the man you used to be, thank God that the...
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Uncover the startling truth behind what God genuinely despises—a truth that challenges the misconception of God as merely a deity of love. Join us as we explore Proverbs 6:16-19, revealing the sobering reality of the seven sins God finds utterly abominable. We promise you'll gain profound insights into how pride, deceit, violence, and discord are not just minor transgressions, but serious threa...
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They regard themselves as wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Blessed are all such! Humility is the very first letter in the alphabet of Christianity. We must begin low, if we would build high. –J.C. Ryle.
Background Music “All things well”, by Myron Butler
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What if the name of Jesus holds more than just spiritual significance but encapsulates the entire gospel's power? Explore with us on "Biblical Talk" as we delve into the profound scriptures of Matthew 1 and 21, unpacking the significance of Jesus' name, which means Savior, and how it reflects His mission to save humanity from sin. With insights from the esteemed Dr. Lightfoot and...
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Merry Christmas from Biblical Talks. The job of every believer is to praise and exalt the glory of our great God and his Son, the LORD Jesus Christ. God fills all of the universe and eternity. There is no lack in him that requires us to magnify him so that He becomes bigger. No, no, no. We worship him because we recognize how big he truly is. This Christmas may you see Him for the great and awesome ...
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What if protecting your heart could transform every area of your life, not just spiritually but also physically? Unearth the ancient wisdom of Proverbs 4:23 with us as we dissect the profound impact of guarding the heart, a symbol of our core being, on our thoughts, actions, and character. We'll weave through the scriptures and reflect on the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 15:19 to understand ho...
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My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.