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.
Biblical Talks with Elder Michael Tolliver Podcast
A Spotlight on the Scriptures: The Temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4:3-4
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Discover the strength that lies within scripture as we unpack the powerful encounter between Jesus and Satan in the wilderness, as depicted in Matthew 4:3-4. This episode is not just a biblical breakdown; it's a revelation of the enduring battle between physical desires and spiritual truths. We scrutinize the cunning tactics of temptation, drawing a striking parallel to Eve's ordeal in Genesis and how Satan's strategic ploy to challenge Jesus unveils a profound truth: our sustenance relies not solely on bread but on every divine utterance.
As we navigate through the episode, we confront our own vulnerabilities to worldly temptations and learn to arm ourselves with the Word of God, much like Jesus did. It's here that we connect the dots between ancient scripture and contemporary life, illustrating how, akin to Israel's reliance on manna, we too must lean on God's provisions. Through engaging discussion and scriptural insights, we invite you to reflect on how God's perspective, as conveyed in His word, can steer us through the complex highways of life's decisions. Join us for an enlightening journey that promises to fortify your faith and equip you for the challenges ahead.
Have a blessed day, and thanks for listening! Visit my website to learn more at https://www.biblicaltalks.com
This is a spotlight on the scriptures Matthew 4, verse 3 and 4. And the temple came and said to him If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread. But he answered. It is written man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. This is the same kind of temptation that came to Eve. She saw that the tree was good for food Genesis 3 and 6. The Lord was told to turn stones into bread. Please note what Satan said. If you are the son of God, now the condition if here carries the meaning of since Satan did not doubt who Jesus was, but Satan wanted to get him to violate the plan of God and to use wrongfully divine power he had set aside in his humility. Philippians 2 and 7. Now this tells us that the devil has been watching Jesus go without food, and he knows what you're up to too. He knows what buttons to push to tempt you to act outside of the will of God.
Speaker 1:1 John 2, verses 15 through16, says that the temptation for the Christian is the lust of the flesh. In this situation, satan questioned the provision of God. Jesus was hungry. God didn't feed him. Why should Jesus just make what he needed out of the stones bread? But Jesus answered Now, if Jesus is the living word, need to use the written word to deal with the enemy of the word. How much more do you and I need the word of God? Jesus quotes is from Deuteronomy 8 and 3, which state that God allowed Israel to go hungry, that he might feed them with manna and teach them to trust him to provide for them. So this verse is directly applicable to Jesus' circumstances and is a fitting reply to Satan's temptation. It is written man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Moses explained to Israel how they survived through the wilderness not by might, not by their wisdom, nor by their education, but by the God's provision. They didn't survive merely because of the manner, but because of the one who provided the manner. Beloved, was Jesus hungry? Yes, but he was willing to trust God to provide rather than act independently of him. Beloved, we need to live by the word of God, independently of him. But, love, we need to live by the word of God.
Speaker 1:People listen to the traffic report before heading to work so they can find out the condition they can't see Now. These traffic reports are normally provided by a person flying around in a helicopter or a plane who has a large vantage point. The proof that people are listening to the traffic reports and believe them is evidenced by the decision on which route they would take. People just don't listen to traffic reports for their listen pleasure. They listen to get information on the situations they can't see themselves. As Christians, we need eyes that we don't have. God has a greater vantage point and provides that information to us. In his word it is written man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. This is a spotlight on the scriptures.
