In the Nicene Creed, we confess our faith in “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church.” These four marks or attributes express not only what the church is but also what she is called to be, yet how are these four marks to be understood? Roman Catholics and Protestants still argue over their definitions. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains the meaning of the four marks of the church, showing how they indicate that peace, purity, and unity are not options for the body of Christ.

The eighteenth century witnessed the rise of groups who, frustrated with denominations and confessions, advocated a “No Creed But Christ” approach in the hopes that this would lead to unity. This view continues to hold sway among many today, but far from fostering unity, it has instead led to even more division and strife. In this lecture, Dr. Mark Dever will discuss the nature of confessions and the way in which they promote peace, purity, and unity in the church.

While all Christians are called to lives of holiness, Scripture emphasizes the absolute necessity of ethical purity among the leaders of the church. Overseers are to be above reproach. It is sometimes easy, however, to devote all of our attention to the obvious sins that must be avoided. In this lecture, Dr. Steven Lawson will explain that while it is crucial that we avoid the major sins, we must also strive to avoid so-called “respectable sins” such as discontentment, gossip, ingratitude, impatience, and envy.

In the early church and during the time of the Reformation, many of our forefathers in the faith were persecuted, tortured, and sometimes martyred because of their steadfast refusal to compromise the essential doctrines of the Christian faith. Ours, on the other hand, is an age of doctrinal timidity and compromise. In this lecture, Dr. Mark Dever will explain the need for doctrinal purity, calling this generation to stand firm for the essentials of the gospel.

Paul indicates that serious problems can arise in the church due to the differences between “weaker brothers” and “stronger brothers.” On the one hand, many churches have experienced the “tyranny of the weaker brother,” and fallen into an unbiblical legalism. On the other hand, many “stronger brothers” do not bear with the failings of the weak. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul will explain how the church is to maintain peace and unity while living with weaker and stronger brothers.

Just prior to suffering the unimaginable, the Lord of glory did the unthinkable — He took the form of a servant and washed the disciples' feet. Then He called us to do the same. Drawn from the common painful experiences of broken relationships in pastoral ministry, this address by Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. will consider the foundation of the love among the brethren, how we can serve one another, and better still, where we find the power to forgive one another.

In order to maintain peace, purity, and unity in the church, it is necessary to exercise discipline, sometimes even to the point of excommunication. Many Christians and church leaders view such discipline negatively, but when properly understood, church discipline is a great blessing. In this lecture, Dr. Steven Lawson looks at what the Bible tells us about church discipline, explaining how and why it is to be used.