Biblical Talks with Elder Michael Tolliver Podcast
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.
Episodes
Can personal pain become a source of profound solace? Discover how Charles Spurgeon's own battles with depression transformed into a ministry of encouragement in "Encouragement for the Depressed." In this deeply moving episode, I, Michael Tolliver from Biblical Talks, unpack how Spurgeon's timeless wisdom and personal experiences offer a beacon of hope to those struggling with life's ...
This is a spotlight on the Scriptures: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1.
This is one of the most profound statements that has ever been made, and yet we find that it is a statement that is surely being questioned in these days in which we are living in... While God exists eternally (Psa_90:2), this marked the beginning of the universe in time and space.
This description of...
What does it truly mean to center your life around Jesus Christ? Join your host Rachel Tolliver on Biblical Talks Encouraging Words for the Week, as we embark on a journey to explore the core of Christianity. Inspired by Philippians 3:10 and the profound words of Paul, Rachel will remind you that the heart of your faith is knowing, following, loving, and adoring Christ. Especially during life's challengi...
What if the key to overcoming depression lies in the wisdom of a man who faced it head-on? On this episode of Biblical Talks, I, Michael Tolliver, guide you through the comforting and faith-filled teachings of Charles Spurgeon's "Encouragement for the Depressed." Spurgeon’s heartfelt messages draw from his own battles with discouragement, offering profound insights for those navigating the stor...
Embark on a transformative spiritual adventure with me, Michael Tolliver, as we approach the powerful teachings of 1 Peter. Starting June 3rd, we'll uncover the treasures of hope and endurance laid out by the apostle Peter for believers navigating trials and persecution. This exploration is more than just a study; it's a promise of fortified faith, an invitation to witness the visible impact of salv...
Could our deepest healing come from the most unexpected source? Today's episode takes us through a transformative exploration of Isaiah 53:5-6, revealing how the suffering of one brings peace and healing to many. We're joined by a guest whose insightful reflections on these ancient texts shed light on the profound spiritual restoration offered through the sacrifices depicted. As we unpack the layers...
As we open the gates to a more intimate conversation with the divine, Pastor Colin Smith joins me to shed light on the often overlooked potency of prayer. Our exchange breathes life into the ancient words of Isaiah, unraveling the profound impact prayer can have on individual hearts and entire communities. Together, we navigate the path to spiritual revival, a journey marked by an awakening awareness of God&a...
Welcome to Biblical talks Encouraging Words for the week. I am Rachel Tolliver, I survey my life and I see the countless failures and sins. I have only one hope – that Jesus Christ shed his blood for my soul. He is my ONLY consolation after all these years. Paul Washer. Saints is that your comfort? I know it is mines.
Background Music “All things well”, by Myron Butler
For more encouraging, words please go ...
How often do we pause to reevaluate our understanding of love against the tapestry of Biblical truth? Join me, Michael Tolliver, as we peel back layers of cultural myths to reveal the deeply rooted scriptural definition of love. In our enlightening conversation, we dissect the exchange between Jesus and Peter to understand the distinct Greek words for love—agape and philia—and their implications for how we li...
Embark on a spiritual odyssey with me, Michael Tolliver, as we probe the depths of sanctification in the life of a believer. With over three decades of unwavering commitment to originality in my sermons, I've come to understand the transformative power of relentless scripture engagement and the humility that arises when Christian biographies lay bare our spiritual inadequacies. The revealing juxtapositio...
Dare we consider a world where God's knowledge is not absolute, where the Divine reacts rather than presides with omniscience? Our latest episode challenges the Openness of God movement, a theology that has sparked controversy by suggesting such a possibility. Joined by theological heavyweights Alistair Begg, Sinclair Ferguson, John MacArthur, and R.C. Sproul, we dissect the profound implications of this...
Unlock the secret to a life of blessedness as laid out by the Son of God with our esteemed guest, Colin Smith, author of "Momentum." We delve into a conversation that's far from your average scriptural study. Instead, we examine the Beatitudes not as a checklist for spiritual novices but as a profound depiction of a Christian life truly lived. Colin unravels the misconception that change is an ...
This is a spotlight on the Scriptures: Revelation 22:20-21 Pt 2. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely, I am coming soon. "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
Well, that was almost two thousand years ago that He said, “Surely I am coming soon.”." But we all want to say, “Lord it has been two thousand years”. Peter said, "In the last days there will...
Welcome to Biblical talks Encouraging Words for the week. I am Rachel Tolliver, I love this quote from Pastor John MacArthur “Sanctification is an ongoing process of DECREASING SIN. But you can’t measure it in moments, or in days, but in years. As you GROW IN CHRIST you will SIN LESS but you will fee worse. That means AS you SIN LESS you are BECOMING MORE HOLY and have a greater resentment for sin. So, AS you...
Could the closing lines of Revelation hold the key to living a life of eager anticipation for Christ's return? This episode promises to unlock the awe-inspiring culmination of the Biblical text, where the imminent Second Coming of Jesus stands as an unwavering beacon of hope. As we explore Revelation 22:20-21, we're reminded that Jesus's promise to come 'soon' transcends calendars and...
Welcome to Biblical talks Encouraging Words for the week. I am Rachel Tolliver, The call to love is ultimately a call for us to give as Jesus gave. It is a call for us to resolve, no matter what, to seek the good of others – even when that pursuit comes at great risk or cost to ourselves.” Alistair Begg.
Saints walking in truth and loving one another, is the balance that is needed today in the church, or else...
For the last couple of weeks, I have been listening to Pastor Colin Smith preach on the anatomy of faith. He goes through the ears of faith, the hands of faith, the mouth of faith, and the voice of faith. The anatomy of faith is acting like God is telling the truth; faith is acting like it is so even when it is not so so that it might be so simply because God said so.
The Oxford Dictionary says that the word ...
Discover the transformative power of mercy with Paul Tripp's insights as we explore the heartening message of Lamentations 3, verses 22 and 23. Our conversation ventures into the depths of how mercy, not the law, offers profound strength and comfort during our most trying moments. Embrace the notion that each morning, an unwavering supply of mercies, perfectly tailored to our individual circumstances, aw...
This past Sunday morning, my pastor, Kevin Smith was preaching a sermon called Peaceful Warriors. He is preaching through the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. To be at peace is to be in harmony not only with each other but with God. To be a peacemaker is to be a mediator and try to resolve conflicts between separated parties whether it is an individual or a group. We make peace by identifying the truth and addressing...
Welcome to Biblical talks Encouraging Words for the week. I am Rachel Tolliver, Think about this Martyn Lloyd- Jones once said, “The glory of the truly Christian man is that his head, as it were, is in heaven, but his feet are solidly on the earth. He has this perfect balance – eagerness and patient endurance! Saints we must learn to live on heavenly side and look at things from above. Such a perspective ena...
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