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: Joshua 1:8-9 – Embracing Scripture Meditation for a Prosperous Life
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This is a spotlight on the Scripture, Joshua 1:8-9 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Many dedicated Christians find it helpful to focus on one Bible verse each day, making it the center of their thoughts. This practice can help replace sinful and unproductive thoughts with divine truth.
If you struggle with scattered and unproductive thoughts, try selecting one verse daily and focusing on it. Understand its meaning, follow where it leads your thoughts, and pray over it, especially applying it to yourself.
Our responsibility doesn't stop at just reading the verse; we must use the Bible to guide our lives. Just reading verses or chapters isn't enough, just as saying prayers without truly praying isn't enough. Our hearts must be involved in both reading and praying.
Throughout the day, we must practice the teachings in the verses, avoid the sins mentioned, and fight against unchristian attitudes. Live by the promises given, aim for heaven, and glorify the Savior and God we read about.
Think of it like driving on the interstate: you're expected to choose one lane and stay in it, not weaving into other lanes, which can cause accidents. There's a time and way to change lanes correctly. Likewise, God's Word provides you and me a lane to stay in. This lane is guided by the written Word and confirmed by the Holy Spirit's work in specific situations. Beloved, stay in that lane, do everything God tells you to do, and He will make your way prosperous.
This is a spotlight on the Scripture.
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 Joshua, chapter 1, verse 8 and 9. This book of the Lord shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it, for then you will make your way prosper and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go. Many dedicated Christians find it helpful to focus on one Bible verse each day, making it the center of their thoughts. This practice can help replace sinful and unproductive thoughts with divine truth. If you struggle with scattered and unproductive thoughts, try selecting one verse daily and focusing on it, understanding its meaning, follow where it leads your thoughts and pray over it, especially applying it to yourself.
Speaker 1:Our responsibility doesn't just stop reading the verse. We must use the Bible to guide our lives. Just reading verses and chapters isn't enough. Just saying prayers without truly praying isn't enough. Our hearts must be involved in both reading and praying Throughout the day. We must practice the teaching in the verses, avoid the sin mentioned in the verses and fight against unchristian attitudes. Live by the promise given, aim for heaven and glorify the Savior and God we read about. Think of it like driving on the interstate you are expected to choose one lane and stay in it, not weaving into other lanes which can cause accidents. There's a time and way to change lanes correctly. Likewise, god's words provide you and me a lane to stay in. This lane is guided by the written word and is confirmed by the Holy Spirit's work in specific situations. Beloved, stay in the lane, do everything God tells you to do, and he will make your way prosper. This is the spotlight on the scriptures. I'll see you next time.
