Ligonier Ministries Video Broadcast

Literal Interpretation

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Biblical interpreters should seek the plain sense of the text, the meaning intended by the author. This does not mean that interpreters ignore the various types of literature found in the Bible.

The Science of Interpretation

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Hermeneutics is the science of interpretation in which we seek to understand the message of Scripture. The grammatico-historical method of interpretation is the classic orthodox Protestant model.

Private Interpretation

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Before the Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church suppressed private interpretation of Scripture. The right of private interpretation, however, carries with it the responsibility of correct interpretation.

Why Study the Bible?

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Christians today have little understanding of Scripture because many believe it is not relevant and that it is too difficult and boring. It is, however, both a duty and a privilege to study the word of God.

The Holiness of Christ

Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The attribute of holiness is not limited to the Father, but belongs also to the Lord Jesus Christ and to the Spirit. In the earthly ministry of our Lord we see His holiness and man's response to it.

Plato (Pt. 1)

Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Plato was born in 427 B.C.and was a student of Socrates. According to Plato, truth exists as ideas in a spiritual realm. These ideas, or "forms," are immaterial but real.

The Meaning of Holiness

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

A greater understanding of the infinite holiness of God creates in our hearts a deeper reverence for God. It is profoundly humbling to see oneself in the light of God's holiness.

The Insanity of Luther

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

If God is holy and man is sinful, what is there for man? This is the problem Martin Luther wrestled with that drove him to despair. It caused him to cry out, "Love God? Sometimes I hate Him!"

Holiness and Justice

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Some of God's actions seem unjust to us. A better understanding of God's holy character enables us to see God's actions with greater clarity and helps us avoid taking His grace for granted.

The Trauma of Holiness

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

An encounter with the God's holiness is always a traumatic experience. When men have been given a glimpse of God's holiness, the response is despair because they are forced to see their own sinfulness.

The Importance of Holiness

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Only as we encounter God's holiness are we able to see ourselves as we really are. Indifference is impossible when confronted by God's holiness. The Christian's life flows from God's holiness.

Socrates

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Socrates challenged the presuppositions of his culture by engaging the people in dialogue and by asking them questions. He was convinced that in order to gain knowledge, one must first admit one's own ignorance.

Asleep in the Light

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

A society that has forgotten God is a society that will close its eyes to biblical explanations and solutions for both personal and social problems. A society that does that is on the road to ruin.

Rude Awakening

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Those who profess Christ and continue in unrepentant sin lie when they say they love God. According to Scripture, true faith leads to good works and growth in grace and holiness.

Whistling in the Dark

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

There are few people today who believe in the reality of hell. But sins against an infinite God are infinitely wicked. If God is good, then sin must be punished. Hope exists for those who trust in Christ.

The Ultimate Spring Break

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Before the fall people weren't wicked, but sin changed human nature, and this sinful nature was passed on. People today do not understand the true vile nature of sin and thus do not understand their need.

Image Is Everything?

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

To most modern people, the idea that some things are true in all places and all times is untrue. To say "there is no absolute truth" is self-refuting because the statement is itself a claim of absolute truth.

Parmenides, Heraclitus, and Zeno

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

According to Heraclitus, everything is in flux. Parmenides taught that that which truly exists is not in flux. Zeno, Parmenides' student, asserted that the senses have only to do with appearances, not reality.

One in Essence, Three in Person

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most important doctrines of the faith. Yet it is often misunderstood. As mysterious as it may be, it is our responsibility to believe what God reveals about Himself.

Contradiction vs. Mystery

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Some have argued that the doctrine of the Trinity entails a logical contradiction. However, while the doctrine of the Trinity is a mystery to us, it is not a mystery to God and is not a contradiction.

Fifth-Century Heresies

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Two heresies that threatened orthodox Christianity in the early church were Nestorianism and Eutychianism. Both taught error regarding Christ. These errors were rejected at the Council of Chalcedon.

Early Controversies

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Numerous controversies surrounding the doctrine of the Trinity arose in the early church. These controversies were settled and biblical orthodoxy was defended in the Councils of Nicaea and Chalcedon.

The Biblical Witness

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The doctrine of the Trinity is not explicitly revealed in the OT where instead we only find allusions to it. The NT, on the other hand, affirms the oneness of God as well as the deity of the three persons.

Monism and Pluralism

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The pre-socratic philosophers can be categorized according to the answers to two questions. Is ultimate reality physical, or is it nonphysical? Is it one (monism), or is it more than one (pluralism)?

Monotheism

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

According to Scripture, there is only one, true God. This has caused much debate in the history of the church because some have assumed that the doctrine of the Trinity contradicts this basic fact.

Architecture

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Every form is an art form, and even the way we construct buildings says something about our worldview. Throughout the history of the church, architecture has revealed something about man's concept of God and of worship.

Drama and Cinematography

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Television and movies have had a dramatic impact on modern culture. Christians must be sensitive to the power of these mediums and the way they influence people, but we must also be discerning in our own viewing.

Images

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Within the Reformed tradition, there has been controversy over the interpretation of the second commandment. Many argue that it precludes all visual depictions, while others argue it only prohibits images of God.

Literature and the Christian

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Most people in our culture are able to read, but many do not because they prefer movies or television. These mediums are not necessarily bad in and of themselves, but they are less demanding than the printed page.

Thales

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Western philosophy is rooted in ancient Greece, and the father of Western philosophy was Thales. He distanced himself from mythology and sought a scientific answer to the nature of things.

Music: The Handmaiden of Theology

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

One problem with contemporary music is not that it is contemporary. It's that it is overly simplistic. Music can be beautiful without being complex but we must know the difference between simplicity and simplistic.

The Influence of Music

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Music has a profound impact on human beings and can be used to change or reflect different moods. Musical scores always follow certain mathematical rules. Numerical relationships determine whether harmony will exist.

Is Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder?

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

We live in an era in which subjectivity rules, and there is the idea that there are no objective aesthetic standards. God is the objective standard of beauty, but we must learn to understand how to apply such a standard.

Art for Whose Sake?

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Although some try to escape art in public worship, it cannot be done. All forms, even simple ones, are art forms, and every art form signifies something. The problem is not art but the elevation of art above the Gospel.

Aesthetics in Recent History

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The history of Christianity reveals a mixed view of the fine arts. While some of the greatest music and painting has been created for use in worship, others have resisted any use of art in church.

The Glory of God

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Since the fall, death has been man's great enemy. Those who are in Christ, however, participate in His resurrection and will conquer death. They will live with Christ forever in a new heavens and new earth.

How to Be a Good Steward (Pt. 2)

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Dr. Sproul explains what the Bible teaches regarding the right stewardship of God's provisions, contrasting it with the crass materialism of the world.

How to Be A Good Steward (Pt. 1)

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Dr. Sproul explains what the Bible teaches regarding the right stewardship of God's provisions, contrasting it with the crass materialism of the world.

Questions and Answers (Pt. 2)

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

In this session from the 2005 National Conference, Five Keys to Spiritual Growth, Drs. R.C. Sproul, Ligon Duncan, John MacArthur, and Mark Dever discuss Bible study, prayer, worship, servanthood, and stewardship.

Questions and Answers (Pt. 1)

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Imitating Christ in Servanthood

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Jesus said that whoever would be great among His disciples must be a servant, for even He came not to be served, but to serve. Derek Thomas explains the basic principles of servanthood practiced by our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Christ of Revelation

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

In the book of Revelation, John describes Jesus Christ as the victorious Lion, but this Lion is also described as a slain Lamb. It is through His suffering and death that Jesus wins the victory.

Questions and Answers

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

In this session from the 2005 National Conference, Five Keys to Spiritual Growth, R.C. Sproul, Ligon Duncan, John MacArthur, and Mark Dever, discuss Bible study, prayer, worship, servanthood, and stewardship.

How to Serve

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Mark Dever examines some of the different avenues of service available to Christians while encouraging believers to live a life characterized by Christian service.

Worship in Word and Sacrament (Pt. 2)

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The true worship of God includes faithful preaching of the Word and proper administration of the sacraments. Neither can be neglected. Christians need to understand the way God is to be worshiped according to his Word.

Worship in Word and Sacrament (Pt. 1)

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Worship in Spirit and Truth (Pt. 2)

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

When Jesus came, He declared that true worshipers would worship the Father in Spirit and truth. It is important that Christians understand what this does and does not mean.

Introduction to Revelation

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The book of Revelation is one of the most important resources for an understanding of eschatology. Although its symbols can be difficult to understand, its contents are meant to encourage God's people.

Worship in Spirit and Truth (Pt. 1)

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

When Jesus came, He declared that true worshipers would worship the Father in Spirit and truth. It is important that Christians understand what this does and does not mean.

How Should We Pray?

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Many Christians struggle not only with questions regarding the purpose of prayer but also with questions regarding how they should pray. John MacArthur explains how the Lord's Prayer answer this most basic question.

Why Should We Pray (Pt. 2)

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

If God is sovereign and has decreed all things that come to pass, why should Christians pray? God not only commands us to pray, He has decreed that prayer is a means of accomplishing His will.

Why Should We Pray (Pt. 1)

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

If God is sovereign and has decreed all things that come to pass, why should Christians pray? God not only commands us to pray, He has decreed that prayer is a means of accomplishing His will.

How to Study the Bible (Pt. 2)

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The Bible is a collection of 66 books that contains historical narrative, poetry, prophecy, and letters. Christians need to understand some basic principles in order to study Scripture fruitfully.

General Epistles

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude are known as the General Epistles because they were likely intended to be circulated among several congregations rather than a specific church.

How to Study the Bible (Pt. 1)

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Bible is a collection of 66 books that contains historical narrative, poetry, prophecy, and letters. Christians need to understand some basic principles in order to study Scripture fruitfully.

Word of God in Spiritual Growth (Pt. 2)

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Word of God is a means of grace for the people of God. Scripture declares His will, and it proclaims the Gospel. It is the light that guides us on the path of righteousness. It is necessary for spiritual growth.

Word of God in Spiritual Growth (Pt. 1)

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Questions and Answers

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

In this session from the 2005 National Conference, Five Keys to Spiritual Growth, Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, R.C. Sproul Jr., and R.C. Sproul Sr. discuss how worldly wisdom stunts our growth.

Renewing Your Mind

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

We are worldly because we think like the world. The renewing of our minds must be a life-time process of putting to death the mind of the old man and putting on the glory of Christ.

Hebrews

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

No other book in the New Testament draws out the Gospel implications of the Old Testament in the way that Hebrews does. This letter shows that all of the Law and Prophets pointed forward to Jesus.

Serving Two Masters (Pt. 2)

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Jesus said that no one can serve two masters. He pointed to those who attempt to serve both God and money, but the principle applies to any other master. Jesus alone is Lord, and we cannot have a divided loyalty.

Serving Two Masters (Pt. 1)

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Whatever Happened to Worldliness? (Pt. 2)

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

It can be difficult to tell the difference between Christians and non-Christians. This should not be. Christians are called to follow Christ and this results in a distinctive way of life that is different from the world.

Whatever Happened to Worldliness? (Pt. 1)

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Glory to God Alone (Pt. 2)

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Reformers emphasized giving God the glory in the salvation of man and in worship. They realized that the fundamental sin of humanity is idolatry and man by nature is an idol factory.

1 and 2 Timothy

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The letters from Paul to Timothy and Titus are known as the Pastoral Epistles. Paul wrote these letters to give these two young pastors instruction regarding doctrine, administration, and false teachers.

Glory to God Alone (Pt. 1)

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Among the great themes of the Protestant Reformation, there was none emphasized so much as the glory of God. The Reformers sought to emphasize the eternal glory of God in everything they spoke and wrote.

Scripture Alone (Pt. 2)

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The debate over Scripture's authority has been ongoing for centuries. According to the Roman Church, Scripture is supplemented by tradition. Protestants assert that Scripture is the sole source of revelation.

Scripture Alone (Pt. 1)

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The appearance of Martin Luther before the Diet of Worms in 1517 was one of the most dramatic moments in history. Luther argued that Scripture alone had the power to bind the consciences of Christians.

Christ Alone (Pt. 2)

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

There is no claim more offensive to the modern pluralistic ear than the claim that Jesus is the only way to God. Yet understanding that Christ's work is essential for salvation is fundamental to the Gospel message.

Christ Alone (Pt. 1)

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Adam violated the covenant of works. God responded with the covenant of grace. This covenant offers the believer a righteous standing before God through the imputed righteousness of Christ apart from works.

Prison Epistles

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Near the end of his ministry, as he was imprisoned in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote four epistles. His letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon contain some of his deepest theology and wisdom

Grace Alone (Pt. 2)

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Semi-pelagianism was an attempt to find middle ground between Pelagianism and Augustinianism. Semi-pelagians asserted the fall only impaired man's ability to choose God. Scripture asserts that man cannot choose God.

Grace Alone (Pt. 1)

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Pelagian controversy was a key controversy in church history at the end of the fourth century. The teachings of Pelagius spread rapidly and Augustine combated them with a doctrine of salvation grounded in Scripture.

Faith Alone (Pt. 2)

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Martin Luther argued from Scripture that justification is from beginning to end the work of God. It is only through faith that man can embrace the grace of God with no credit to himself.

Faith Alone (Pt. 1)

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The doctrine of justification was central in the Reformation. The Roman Church asserted that justification is by faith with the addition of works. The Reformers asserted that justification is by faith alone.

Panel Discussion #5

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Together for the Gospel Panel Discussions provide an opportunity to hear the speakers discuss the themes of the conference informally amongst themselves.

1 and 2 Corinthians

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The church in Corinth struggled to grow in the midst of a multicultural pagan environment. Paul's words to this church continue to have great relevance for the church in the twenty-first century.

Forty Years of Gospel Ministry

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

In this message, John MacArthur reflects on forty years of ministry in the church, emphasizing the importance of expository preaching for a long ministry.

Watch Your Life

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Basing his message on 1 Timothy 4, C. J. Mahaney exhorts pastors about the importance of keeping a close watch on themselves. Intellectual knowledge is of little use if a pastor lives in an ungodly manner.

Panel Discussion #4

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Together for the Gospel Panel Discussions provide an opportunity to hear the speakers discuss the themes of the conference informally amongst themselves.

Why Expositional Preaching is Particularly Glorifying to God

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

In this message, John Piper explains how expository preaching glorifies God. It is preaching that is aware of God. It shows what the preacher believes about God. It awakens people to the glory of God.

Panel Discussion #3

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Together for the Gospel Panel Discussions provide an opportunity to hear the speakers discuss the themes of the conference informally amongst themselves.

Romans

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The book of Romans is Paul's most systematic letter. It has been one of the most influential books in church history. From Augustine, to Martin Luther, to John Wesley, its impact has been profound.

The Center of Christian Preaching: Justification by Faith

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Justification is the doctrine upon which the church stands or falls, the "Atlas" upon which Christianity rests. R.C. Sproul emphasizes the importance of preaching justification by faith alone.

Preaching with the Culture in View

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Some pastors do not take the culture seriously at all, while others allow it to dominate their ministry. Albert Mohler explains how the pastor is to address the culture with the message of Christ.

Panel Discussion #2

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Together for the Gospel Panel Discussions provide an opportunity to hear the speakers discuss the themes of the conference informally amongst themselves.

Preaching from the Old Testament

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Basing his message on 2 Timothy 3, Ligon Duncan discusses how to preach the Old Testament as a Christian book. It is to be preached expositionally with Christ and redemptive history kept at the center.

Panel Discussion #1

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Together for the Gospel Panel Discussions provide an opportunity to hear the speakers discuss the themes of the conference informally amongst themselves.

The Conversion of Paul

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Apart from the death and resurrection of Christ Himself, no other event has shaped the history of Christianity as much as the conversion of Paul. The great persecutor of the church became an apostle.

The Pastor's Understanding of His Own Role

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Basing his message on 1 Corinthians, Mark Dever discusses the three marks of a faithful pastor. Such a pastor has a cross-centered message, a cross-centered life, and cross-centered followers.

The Christ of the Covenant

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Jesus lived and died on our behalf to secure the blessings of the covenant. Dr. Sproul explains how Jesus fully completed the covenant for us and encourages us to anticipate the day we will be raised to eternal life.

The New Covenant (Pt. 2)

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Many ideas in Hebrews have led to much confusion in the Church, mainly though a poor use of interpretive principles. Dr. Sproul seeks to clearly expound upon the better promises upon which the new covenant is based.

The New Covenant (Pt. 1)

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

In this the first of three lectures on the new covenant, we will look at the summing up of the entire old covenant in the work of one man - John the Baptist. Dr. Sproul will explore his relationship to the new covenant.

Davidic Covenant

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The unfolding of God's revelation through covenants continued with the unfolding of biblical history. Dr. Sproul discusses the Davidic covenant - its patriarchal roots, promises, and Messianic themes in this message.

The Expansion of the Church

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Acts of the Apostles could be titled the Acts of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost sent shockwaves through the church in Jerusalem and the surrounding region as the Gospel began to spread to the ends of the earth.

Mosaic Covenant (Pt. 2)

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Mosaic covenant was established after Israel's redemption from Egypt and was enacted to draw all nations to Israel's holy God. Dr. Sproul continues to expound upon the four major elements of this covenant.

Mosaic Covenant (Pt. 1)

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The most complicated covenant to understand in its relation to the covenant of grace is the Mosaic covenant. Dr. Sproul explains the relationship of the Law to the believer and discuss the mediating role of Moses.

Abrahamic Covenant (Pt. 2)

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

God was fully aware that fallen man could not obey perfectly, so He had an eternal plan to send One who would be perfect on their behalf. Dr. Sproul explores the elements of the Abrahamic covenant.

Abrahamic Covenant (Pt. 1)

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The covenant made with the patriarch Abraham continues to see its fulfillment to this day. Dr. Sproul begins to explain the most important features of the Abrahamic covenant, and proves God's utter faithfulness to it.