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
616 episodes
Sermon of the Week, Pastor Kevin Smith: Joy That Outlasts Sorrow
Through faith in Jesus, we receive adoption as children of God, gaining direct access to our Heavenly Father. That adoption gives us a new identity, new privileges, and a new nature as partakers of the divine life. We don’t just belong to God—w...
A Spotlight on the Scriptures: Psalms 2:7-8: Bow Now While Mercy Still Flows
This is a Spotlight on the Scriptures: Psalms 2:7-8 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.&nbs...
Deep Dive: God’s Love Isn’t Niceness; It’s Sovereign, Glorious, And Transforming
This teaching by Elder Michael Tolliver explores the divine attributes of God's love, defining it as a sovereign and eternal reality rather than a fleeting human emotion. The text asserts that love is God’s very essence, in...
Biblical Talks Encouraging Word for the Week, with Rachel Tolliver: Start Your Day With Grace And Watch Your Joy Rise
Biblical Talks Encouraging Word for the Week, I am Rachel Tolliver, “If you want joy—real joy—not just a smile but a shout, don’t start your day with a complaint, start it with grace! Wake up and remember: you didn’t earn thi...
Sermon the Week; John Piper: Faith That Moves: Hebrews 11 Explained
Beloved, what is faith? What does it look like to live by faith in the promises of God? The book of Hebrews gives us the picture. Faith is drawing near to God with confidence. Faith is trusting the faithful promises of God just li...
A Spotlight on the Scriptures: Proverbs 31:10: Seek the Woman Whose Faith Shapes Everyday Life
This is a Spotlight on the Scriptures: Proverbs 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. Brothers, hear me. You can marry beauty. You can marry money. But don’t be fooled—many a man has chas...
Deep Dive: God's Goodness "Nearness Is the Good"
Elder Michael Tolliver presents the goodness of God as an essential, unchanging attribute that defines His very nature and all His actions. The text argues that true goodness is not found in material wealth or physical comfort, but is in...
Biblical Talks Encouraging Word for the Week, with Rachel Tolliver: We Are Not The Baker, We Just Know Where The Bread Is
Welcome to Biblical Talks Encouraging Word for the Week, I am Rachel Tolliver, “The gospel isn’t about status—it’s about survival. It’s one hungry soul, broken and barefoot, pointing another starving soul to the Bread of Life...
Sermon of the Week; Alistair Begg: Before the World Existed
Beloved, when Paul says in Philippians 2 that Jesus “emptied Himself,” some have tried to argue that He emptied Himself of His deity. But the Scriptures won’t let you go there. John stands up in his Gospel and declares with thunderous clarity: ...
A Spotlight on the Scriptures: John 13:3-5: Serving Others Begins When We Kneel
This is a Spotlight on the Scriptures: John 13:3-5 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a tow...