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
691 episodes
A Spotlight on the Scriptures: John 14:8-9: Seeing God in The Face of Jesus
This is a Spotlight on the Scriptures: John 14:8-9 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the...
Deep Dive: Romans 1: When Freedom Means God Lets Go
The Guilt of the Gentile World," explores the theological themes of Romans 1:18–32, focusing on the inevitable consequences of rejecting God. He asserts that divine wrath is a righteous response to humanity’s deliberate suppres...
Encouraging Word for the Week, with Rachel Tolliver: When Life Shouts “Panic,” God Whispers “Anchor”
Welcome to Biblical Talks Encouraging Word for the Week, I am Rachel Tolliver, If God be our God, then trouble don’t get the last word! The world can stir up chaos in calm—but my God? He can speak calm in chaos! Wh...
Sermon of the Week John MacArthur: Sanctification Matters
In this powerful biblical message, discover how unchecked sin can weaken your faith, hinder your relationship with God, and rob you of the joy and peace found in Christ. Explore what Scripture teaches about repentance, confession, and the trans...
A Spotlight on the Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14: Your Life Is Not Netflix; You Can’t Hit Rewind
This is a Spotlight on the Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret...
Deep Dive: The Gospel Vs Moralism And Why Grace Refuses Add-Ons
The critical distinction between the biblical Gospel and the deceptive substitute of moralism, which reduces Christianity to mere behavior modification. Drawing on the Apostle Paul’s urgent warnings in the book of Galati...
Biblical Talks Encouraging Word for the Week, with Rachel Tolliver: Drawing the Only Line That Matters
Welcome to Biblical Talks Encouraging Word for the Week, I am Rachel Tolliver, “Saints, let’s be real—the only line that matters in the house of God ain’t color, class, or charisma. It’s not titles, talents, or traditions. Th...
Sermon of the Week; Voddie Baucham: Apologetics Is Not an Apology
Most Christians instinctively run from suffering, but Peter won’t let us hide from the truth. In 1 Peter 3:17, he reminds us that not all suffering is the same, and how we respond to it reveals what we truly believe about G...
A Spotlight on the Scriptures: Romans 4:2-3: Grace Over Grind
This is a Spotlight on the Scriptures: Romans 4:2-3 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”...
Deep Dive: Divorce And the One-Flesh Covenant
Elder Michael Tolliver examines the biblical theology of marriage and divorce by focusing on Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 19. He emphasizes that marriage is a divine covenant established at creation, intended to be a permane...