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 Scripture: John 11:25-26 - Embracing Faith in the Present Moment
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This is a spotlight on the Scripture, John 11:25-26, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Martha believed in the resurrection, a future event where the dead would be raised. However, it's often easier to believe in distant, theoretical promises than to trust in God's power in our everyday lives. It's simpler to comfort others by saying they'll reunite with their loved ones someday than to have faith that God is with us now, even in our grief and pain.
Jesus challenged Martha by declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life." He emphasized that faith in Him brings life, not just in the future, but now. Jesus reassures that those who believe in Him, though he is physically dead, will live, and this life begins the moment one accepts Him. This faith promises that believers will never face eternal separation from God, as Jesus has already paid the price for their sins.
This text encourages us to deepen our trust in Jesus's direct presence and support in our lives, not just in the promises of the future. Belief in Jesus transforms our lives now and gives us the strength to face each day with hope and assurance.
It's a powerful reminder to live out our faith daily, trusting that God is with us in every moment. Do you find this perspective encouraging in your faith journey? This is a spotlight on the Scripture
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This is a spotlight on the scripture, john 11, verse 25 and 26. Jesus said to her I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die yet, shall he live, and everyone who lives and believe in me shall never die. Do you believe this Now? Martha believed in the resurrection, a future event where the dead will be raised. A future event where the dead will be raised.
Speaker 1:However, it's often easy to believe in distance or in a theoretical promise than to trust in God's power. In our everyday lives, it's very simple to comfort others by saying they will be reunited with their loved ones someday than to have faith that is with us right now, even in the midst of our grief and in all our pain. Jesus challenged Martha by declaring I am the resurrection and the life. He emphasized that faith in him brings life, not just in the future but right now. Jesus reassured that those who believe in him, though he is physically dead, will live, and this life began the moment one accepted him as their Lord and Savior. This faith promised that believers would never face eternal separation from God, as Jesus has already paid the price for our sins.
Speaker 1:This text encourages us to deepen our trust in Jesus' direct presence and support in our lives, not just in the promise of the future. Belief in Jesus transforms our lives now and gives us strength of faith each day, with hope and assurance. It's a powerful reminder to live out our faith daily, trusting that God is with us every moment. Did you find this perspective encouraging your faith journey? This is a spotlight on the scriptures.
