Take Your Stand
By Luke Seibert
Take Your StandJan 25, 2022
S.4 E.15 Our Omnipotent God
Another attribute of God is that He is omnipotent—He has all power. This is another way He is unique, and we see this testimony throughout Scripture. This attribute of God has great impact on our lives. It gives us assurance that the Lord will keep every promise He has made, and it calls us to look to Him for help. He is able to come to our aide, so we don’t need to look to witchcraft and magic. Instead, we should rely on our omnipotent God through prayer.
S.4 E.14 Our Creative God
We say that God created the world, and that’s true. But have we stopped to consider what that implies about who God is? Because God is creative, He is imaginative, He owns everything, and He is the Source of all. This means we owe everything to Him, and it’s also the basis for our own creativity.
Colossians 1:16
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”
“Why Christians Care About Art and Beauty,” by The Table:
https://voice.dts.edu/tablepodcast/care-art-beauty/
S.4 E.13 God is Self-Existent
From the very opening of Genesis, God reveals Himself as self-existent. He has everything He needs in Himself. Thus, He’s not created nor is He dependent on anyone or anything. This gives us assurance that He will always exist, He can sustain us, and He will fulfill all His promises.
“Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith,” by Michael Reeves:
https://www.amazon.com/Delighting-Trinity-Introduction-Christian-Faith/dp/0830839836
Here’s the link to the “Monday Encouragement” video that goes along with this episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAkwThbwV0k
S.4 E.12 God Reveals Himself
God has revealed His character in the Bible so that we can know Him. Exodus 34:5-8 is an example where the Lord describes Himself in stunning detail. We can know God more as we take the time to consider what He has said about Himself in such passages. As we do, we also learn the character we ought to imitate in our own lives.
John R. W. Stott. The Cross of Christ. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2006. Pp. 133-162. Kindle.
Jamie Dunlop. Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy: Eight Truths for Pursuing Unity in Your Church. Wheaton: Crossway, 2023. Pp. 97-114. Kindle.
“Our God Will Go Before Us - The Hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, Volume 3.”
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ONU3wVC9D004Q8AtDr4kPG_IgZUkX0g
S.4 E.11 No End to Books...
We can only hold so much knowledge in our minds. But that’s not a problem, for gaining knowledge isn’t the end goal. The closing summary of Ecclesiastes reminds us to keep our priorities straight as we seek to “fear God” and live out His Word. This is the goal, not merely gaining more knowledge through books and podcasts.
S.4 E.10 Merciful and Faithful High Priest
Asking questions about what we read in the Bible is a helpful way to study God’s Word. A recent example in my own life is the phrase “a merciful and faithful high priest” in Hebrews 2:17. I share about how Christ is a merciful high priest and use this verse as an example of how to go deeper in studying the Bible.
S.4 E.9 Women's Roles in Church
Women’s roles in church can be a touchy subject, yet we don’t need to shy away from it. The Bible honors women and encourages them to use their spiritual gifts for the building up of the whole congregation. Although the office of pastor is reserved for men, we find many examples of women faithfully using their gifts in appropriate ways. This episode delves into the subject and deals with a few objections.
“Men and Women in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction,” by Kevin DeYoung.
https://www.crossway.org/books/men-and-women-in-the-church-tpb/
S.4 E.8 The Creation Mandate
The Creation mandate is the original charge that God gave Adam and Eve. It involved them filling the earth and exercising authority over it. This incredible stewardship was made more difficult after the fall, but sin hasn’t revoked this charge. The cross hasn’t either, though it has shifted the emphasis. We are all to exercise dominion and authority where God has placed us as part of our stewardship from Him.
S.4 E.7 Should We Raise Hands?
Should we raise our hands in worship? This question arises when we consider worship in the narrow sense: singing as an assembled congregation. Although lifted hands most frequently occurs in the context of prayer, there is a strong Biblical basis for physical expressions of praise. The “should” part of the question is guided by context and conviction. I work through these principles with hand raising as well as clapping and dancing.
S.4 E.6 Worship, Part 4
What about worship that God rejects? The Lord hates insincere worship, whether that be insincere words or an insincere life. True worship is a matter of the heart. When our hearts are bent on giving the highest honor to God, we will want to worship with our words and our lives will consistently reflect our profession.
S.4 E.5 Worship, Part 3
While we ought to worship the Lord individually, we can’t fully do that on our own. The local church plays an essential role we can’t ignore. This episode looks at the corporate element of worship and gives examples of how this plays out. At the close, I share some helpful resources on the subject.
The command for Israelite males to gather corporately three times a year is found in Deuteronomy 16:16.
Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart. “How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth.” (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014). P. 69. Kindle.
“Corporate Worship,” by Matt Merker:
https://www.crossway.org/books/corporate-worship-case/
“Words of Wonder: What Happens When We Sing,” by Bob Kauflin:
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/words-of-wonder-what-happens-when-we-sing
“Worship by the Book,” edited by D. A. Carson:
https://www.amazon.com/Worship-Book-R-Kent-Hughes/dp/0310216257
S.4 E.4 Worship, Part 2
We typically associate worship with our words. While music is certainly part of this, there are other verbal ways of ascribing honor to the Lord. This episode looks at how testimonies, prayer, and singing are all forms of verbal worship. I close out by discussing some elements like reverence and holiness and how they relate to our emotions.
Jamie Dunlop. “Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy.”
https://www.crossway.org/books/love-the-ones-who-drive-you-crazy-tpb/
S.4 E.3 Worship, Part 1
Worship is far more than just direct praise to God, although it certainly includes that aspect. I introduce a mini-series on the subject of
worship and explain some of the key Biblical words. Worship can—and should—affect
every aspect of life. The way we submit to the Lord and live for Him is a means
of ascribing worth and honor to His name.
S.4 E.2 Meaning of Gospel-Centeredness
What is gospel-centeredness, and is it even Biblical? Gospel-centeredness means that directly or indirectly, the way we engage with every aspect of life is motivated and shaped by the gospel. Several passages of Scripture as well as the pattern of the epistles support this belief. I share several resources that explain more of the gospel-centered movement and its impact on our daily lives.
“Episode 127: What Does it Mean to Be Gospel-Centered?” For the Church Podcast, hosted by Jered Wilson. (MP3 Podcast). https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-127-what-does-it-mean-to-be-gospel-centered/id1227869536?i=1000529550170.
Jered Wilson and Becky Wilson. “Go Outside: And 19 Other Keys to Thriving in Your Twenties.” Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2023. 122-125. Kindle.
Dane Ortlund. “What is All This ‘Gospel-Centered’ Talk About?” The Gospel Coalition, 2014. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/whats-all-this-gospel-centered-talk-about/.
Jered Wilson. “The Top 125 Influences on the Gospel-Centered Movement.” The Gospel Coalition, 2018. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/top-125-influences-gospel-centered-movement/.
S.4 E.1 Updates and Book Recommendations
I give a brief update on Here I Stand Ministries and talk about the direction for the coming year. I also talk about the launch of my latest book, “Worth the Cost.” I close things out by sharing book recommendations for the coming year. Some of these are books I have read recently and others are titles that have significantly impacted my life.
S.3 E.30 Assemble Regularly
In this season finale, I look at the last distinguishing feature of the local church: regularly meeting together. I survey the Biblical material than present the case for a physical gathering. I conclude with a discussion about times when people don’t assemble with the church.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
S.3 E.29 Two Ordinances
The Lord Jesus has given two ceremonies/celebrations to the church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Both ordinances picture the gospel message in visible ways. I examine each and look at some nuances that help us see the deeper meaning behind what we practice.
Collin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman, Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ is Essential, (Wheaton: Crossway, 2021), 74, Kindle.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.28 Pastors and Deacons
In the New Testament, the two offices for local churches are pastor/elder/overseer and deacon. I spend most of the episode discussing the role and significance of pastors, since this is where the Bible places the emphasis. Deacons also play a significant role in the church, and I seek to briefly show how these men work together to serve the church for Christ’s glory.
Alexander Strauch, Biblical Eldership: Ann Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership, Revised and Expanded, (Lewis & Roth Publishers, 2016), Kindle.
Greg R. Allison, Sojourners and Strangers: the Doctrine of the Church, (Wheaton: Crossway, 2012), 294, Kindle.
David C. Mathis, Workers for Your Joy: the Call of Christ on Christian Leaders, (Wheaton: Crossway, 2022), 153-154, 119-120, Kindle.
The word “care” is actually used twice in the Good Samaritan passage.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.27 Meaningful Membership
The New Testament consistently presents the image of believers intentionally being involved in their congregation. This is more than attending services. Church membership is a deliberate choice to help others grow in Christ and to receive help from the rest of the church in our own growth. Together, we grow up into Christ and fulfill one of the purposes of the church.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.26 Assembly of Believers
I contend for regenerate church membership as a distinctive of a local church. Although unbelievers are welcome to attend the gathering and build relationships, they aren’t considered part of the congregation. Numerous implications flow from understanding the church as an assembly of believers. I seek to explore both the Biblical evidence and some objections to this principle.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.25 Purposes of the Church
The New Testament gives three main purposes for the church: worship, discipleship, and displaying God’s wisdom. Although these are purposes of the universal body of Christ, they are manifested through local congregations. This episode explores each purpose as well as their implications.
Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014. 69, Kindle. They talk about the church being God’s temple in 1 Corinthians 3.
D. A. Carson. “Preface,” in Worship by the Book. Ed. D. A. Carson, Timothy Keller, Mark Ashton, and Kent Hughes. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010. 49, Kindle.
Colin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman. Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ is Essential. Wheaton: Crossway, 2021. 47, Kindle.
Bob Kauflin. Worship Matters. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008. 344, Kindle.
Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop. The Compelling Community: Where God’s Power Makes a Church Attractive. Wheaton: Crossway, 2015. 22-23, Kindle.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.24 Distinctives of a Local Church
What defines a local church? I explore five aspects that distinguish a local church from any other group of believers. These points then flow into other implications for a congregation, points that will be covered in future episodes.
Charles C. Ryrie, Basic Theology, (Chicago, Moody Publishers, 1999), 455, Kindle. Ryrie was the one who introduced me to the deeper meaning of “ekklesia.”
Robert Bruce Jamieson III, The Path to Being a Pastor: A Guide for the Aspiring, (Wheaton: Crossway, 2021).
Colin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman, Rediscover Church: Why Why the Body of Christ is Essential, (Wheaton: Crossway, 2021), 73-74, Kindle.
Sinclair Ferguson, “John Calvin on the True Church,” Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, Inc, 2016. https://www.reformation21.org/blogs/john-calvin-on-the-true-church.php.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.23 Creeds, Confessions, and Covenants
What’s the difference between creeds and confessions, and are they helpful to the church today? And what about church covenants? I give an overview of the distinctives of these documents and explain their benefits for contemporary believers. They can be helpful tools that summarize our faith and convictions. Specifically with covenants, they also remind church members of their commitments to one another.
“Apostle’s Creed,” by EMU Music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVyUiqvbmBw
Holcomb, Justin. Know the Creeds and Councils. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014. 13, Kindle.
Trueman, Carl. “The Value and Roll of Creeds and Confessions.” The Gospel Coalition. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-value-and-role-of-creeds-and-confessions/.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.22 Sing a New Song
Is it appropriate to sing new music to the Lord? When we examine Scripture, we see the emphatic affirmative answer. As we walk in a dynamic, on-going relationship with the Lord, so our music should reflect this relationship rooted in God’s deliverance.
Anthony L. Chute, Nathan A. Finn, and Michael A. G. Haykin, The Baptist Story: From English Sect to Global Movement, (Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2015), 52-54, Kindle.
Douglas J. Moo, The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon, (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eardmens Publishing Co, 2008), 61, Kindle.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.21 Two Views of Baptism
Although baptism may seem fairly straightforward, there are two different views about what the practice represents. As a result of those theological understandings, there’s a variety of how believers actually baptize. I give an overview of believer’s baptism and Paedobaptism, then give a Scriptural analysis for why I believe the former most closely aligns with the explicit teaching of the New Testament.
“To a Thousand Generations: Infant Baptism—Covenant Mercy for the People of God,” by Douglas Wilson:
https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Generations-Baptism-Covenant-Children/dp/1885767242
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.20 Full Assurance of Faith
How do we know that God really accepts believers even when they sin? Hebrews 10 gives us two clear reasons for such confidence. As we reflect on each aspect, we find peace and assurance as we seek to grow in our faith.
“Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ For Sinners and Sufferers,” by Dane C. Ortlund:
https://www.crossway.org/books/gentle-and-lowly-hcj/
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.19 Is Church Membership Necessary?
Many times, church membership is presented almost as a Biblical command. But is this accurate? I examine what membership is and the Biblical reasons why church membership is important for the believer, even if not a direct command.
Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible For All It’s Worth, Fourth Edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014. 69, Kindle.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.18 He is Our Refuge
As we deal with pain and sorrow, we search for a refuge—someone or something we turn to for comfort, security, and rest. The only Refuge which offers lasting peace is the Lord Jesus Christ. I share some examples of false refuges, then conclude with an encouragement to look to Jesus for our comfort and peace.
Psalm 11 ESV by the Corner Room:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7fYvt1PAV8
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.17 Views of the Kingdom
Scripture speaks of a Kingdom over which Christ will reign, but where is this Kingdom and when will it come? There are three main views on the subject, and I give a description of each. I then conclude with a defense of the Pre-Millennial view and a few notes of how the doctrine effects our lives now.
This article gives more details about the Post-Millennial view:
https://postmillennialworldview.com/2021/04/16/favorite-postmillennial-verses/
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved
S.3 E.16 Three Uses of “The World”
The term “the world” can refer to the earth, humanity, or an ungodly mindset, depending on the context. I share some Biblical examples of each of these then move into a discussion of worldliness. God doesn’t call believers to withdraw from society, but He does charge them to guard against adopting ungodly attitudes and heart desires.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.15 Calvinism
Calvinism is one of those terms tossed around frequently, but what exactly does it refer to? I share an explanation and brief history of this theological concept. I also give a Biblical critique of its strengths and weaknesses.
Erickson, Millard. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013. 572-573, Kindle.
Ortlund, Dane. Gentle and Lowly: the Heart of Christ for Sufferers and Sinners. Wheaton: Crossway, 2020). Kindle.
Lewis, C. S. Mere Christianity. HarperCollins, 2021. Kindle.
Ferguson, Everett. Christian History, Volume One: From Christ to the Pre-Reformation. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2017. 276-277, Kindle.
Eccher, Stephen Brett. “Chapter 9: Salvation,” in Historical Theology for the Church. Eds. Jason G. Duesing and Nathan Finn. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2021. 216, 217, 223, Kindle. [This was the book I referenced actually, not “Christian Historiography”]
Chute, Anthony L. Nathan A. Finn, and Michael A. G. Haykin. The Baptist Story: From English Sect to Global Movement. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2015, Kindle. 98-104, Kindle.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.14 Why We Sing Part III
While we sing for the glory of God, we also sing to edify one another. I share several Scripture passages that teach this horizontal aspect of our music. I then conclude with a few reflections on how the dual-purpose effects other aspects of the songs we sing.
Merker, Matthew. Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers As God’s People. Wheaton: Crossway, 2021. 68, Kindle.
Kauflin, Bob. “Words of Wonder: What Happens When We Sing.” Desiring God, 2008. https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/words-of-wonder-what-happens-when-we-sing
DeYoung, Kevin. “Ten Principles for Church Song (Part 1).” The Gospel Coalition, 2011. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/ten-principles-for-church-song-part-1/
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.13 Why We Sing Part 2
Scripture primarily calls us to sing for the glory of God. This truth is rooted in the story of redemption and is expressed throughout the Bible. As we sing for the glory of God, we praise Him both for who He is and what He has done. He is worthy of our songs.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.12 Why We Sing Part 1
Why do we sing? More specifically, why does God want us to sing? This episode introduces a miniseries that seeks to answer this question. In Scripture, we are called to sing for the glory of God and the edification of one another. I share a brief overview of this point and explain it’s significance.
Matthew Merker. Corporate Worship (9 Marks: Building Healthy Churches). Wheaton: Crossway, 2021. 68. Kindle.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.11 Because He Loved Them
The account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead demonstrates Jesus’ heart in the midst of our trials. Although God’s will doesn’t always include healing or removing every difficulty in this life, He will produce good in us as He draws us closer to Christ. No matter what we go through, however, we can trust the heart of Christ and lean on him.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.10 Looking Back on Seven Years
Seven years have passed since I lost my sight in a car wreck. I share a brief account of what happened and how God had prepared us for that event. I also share some of the main lessons the Lord has been teaching me in the years that followed.
Tripp, Paul David. Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People In Need of Change Helping People In Need of Change. Phillipsburg: P&H Publishing Company, 2002. 36, Kindle. He wrote we are “glory robbers.”
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.9 Gray Areas Part 5
In this final episode of the mini-series, I look at how believers maintain unity while holding their own convictions. We hold fast to the gospel and walk in love and grace with other believers, including those who hold different convictions and practice.
Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr. “A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity.” Albermohler.com, 2004. https://albertmohler.com/2004/05/20/a-call-for-theological-triage-and-christian-maturity-2
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.8 Gray Areas Part 4
How do we find convictions in the gray areas of the Christian life? In this episode, I share a few passages of Scripture that provide a framework as we answer the question. I then propose five principles that can serve as a starting point in determining convictions.
Albert Mohler. “A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity.” 2004. https://albertmohler.com/2004/05/20/a-call-for-theological-triage-and-christian-maturity-2.
Kevin DeYoung. "The Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap Between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness. (Wheaton: Crossway, 2012). 33-48. Kindle.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.7 Gray Areas Part 3
A helpful category for understanding gray areas of faith is Albert Mohler’s concept of “Theological Triage.” This concept helps us identify which areas are essential and how we can respectfully disagree with other believers in other areas. We aren’t relativizing the faith; we are simply recognizing some matters of practice require us to rely more upon the Spirit’s guidance.
“A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity,” by Albert Moherl. https://albertmohler.com/2004/05/20/a-call-for-theological-triage-and-christian-maturity-2
“Finding the Right Hills to Die on,” by Gavin Ortlund. Crossway, 2020. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/publication/steadfast/
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.6 Gray Areas Part 2
The security of salvation for the believer is in the gospel, not in the particular convictions we hold. Paul makes this point repeatedly in his epistles, using this truth as the foundation for the unity of the church. The diversity among believers isn’t a cause for concern, but rather, reflects the great multitude God is saving through Christ.
R. Albert Mohler, Jr. “A Case for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity.” https://albertmohler.com/2004/05/20/a-call-for-theological-triage-and-christian-maturity-2
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.5 Gray Areas Part 1
The Bible acknowledges that there are some gray areas in how we live out the faith. These shouldn’t make us unsettled, for the Lord has given guidance concerning our convictions. In this episode, I present an overview of the topic, drawing primarily from Romans 14. The matter of “faith” is central to the discussion.
Kevin DeYoung. “The Hole in Our Holiness.” (Wheaton: Crossway, 2012). Kindle E-reader, pp. 33, 34.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.4 What Is an Evangelical?
The terms “evangelical” and “evangelicalism” can be somewhat confusing. This is because they have a broad usage and a more narrow application. I give a short overview of the subject and suggest two books for further information.
“Gospel People,’ by Michael Reeves:
https://www.crossway.org/books/gospel-people-tpb/
“Finding the Right Hills to Die On,” by Gavin Ortlund:
https://store.thegospelcoalition.org/tgc/products/7099/finding-the-right-hills-to
Ortlund, Gavin. Finding the Right Hills to Die On: the Case for Theological Triage. (Wheaton: Crossway, 2020). Kindle E-reader, p. 12.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.3 The Main Point
When it comes to reading the Bible on our own, there are a few techniques or tools that can act as a guide. As we look at repeated words, we can find the main point and carry that with us. I give a few examples of how this plays out and offer some questions of application.
For the meaning of “appraise:”
“G350 –anakrinō - Strongs Greek Lexicon.” Blue Letter Bible, 2023. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g350/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.2 Songs That Teach
Although we may not often think about it, our songs teach us. There’s nothing wrong with the fact: Scripture says that’s one purpose of music. We should rejoice in songs that accurately teach truth and be discerning with new music we listen to.
Holy, Holy, Holy – traditional hymn
A Triune Prayer, Chris Anderson and Molly Ijames
All Praise to Him, Sovereign Grace Music (Matt Merker and Bob Kauflin)
Before the Throne of God Above, traditional hymn
In Christ Alone, Stuart Townend and Keith Getty
The Blood of Jesus Speaks for Me, Travis Cottrell and David E. Moffitt
The Lord is My Salvation, Keith Getty, Kristen Getty, Nathan Nockles, and Jonas Myrin
Your Will Be Done, CityAlight (Rich Thompson and Jonny Robinson)
Sing, by Keith Getty, GettyMusic Songs. (Nashville: B&H Academic Publishing Group, 2017). Kindle E-reader, p. 47.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.3 E.1 Deep Roots
I share a broad overview of the season and explain the basis for the main points to be covered. The local church and music have been themes I’ve wrestled with with for several years, and I’m excited to bring these up throughout the season, although each episode won’t always address them. I also share a brief lesson about the need to develop a deepening relationship with Christ in the face of difficulties.
Here is my blog :
https://lukeseibertblog.home.blog/
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.2 E.28 Books for Next Year
As I close out this season, I share five of my favorite books. Most of them have been talked about at some point on the podcast, but I group them here together and give a brief overview of why I believe each of these books is worth reading.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.2 E.27 Bringing It All Together
In this episode, I recap where we have been over this season. We have covered a lot of ground in discussing how we got the Bible as well as surveying a few translations available today. I bring things together and present a short overview of the main terms, figures, and events to remember. I also share a few takeaways and lessons we can learn from this study.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.2 E.26 New Living Translation
The New Living Translation (NLT) is a dynamic equivalent with a desire to help readers understand the message of the Bible. Several well-known scholars worked on this version, and I also share some examples of how the translation philosophy is played out in a few verses. At the close of the episode, I give a brief review of Kevin DeYoung’s book, “The Hole in Our Holiness.”
“The Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap Between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness,” by Kevin DeYoung:
https://www.crossway.org/books/the-hole-in-our-holiness-tpb/
NLT introduction: https://www.bible-researcher.com/nlt1preface.html
NLT scholars: https://www.tyndale.com/nlt/meet-the-scholars
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.2 E.25 New International Version
We move into the discussion of dynamic equivalent translations this week with the New International Version (NIV). I share some details about this version as well as counter some accusations raised against this Bible. I conclude with a brief discussion of the “Grace and Truth Study Bible” by Zondervan.
NIV Committee on Bible Translation: https://www.thenivbible.com/about-the-niv/meet-the-translators/
BibleGateway on NIV: https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/new-international-version-niv-bible/
NIV translators: https://www.bible-researcher.com/niv-translators.html
Statement of concern on TNIV: https://www.bible-researcher.com/tniv2.html
“Grace and Truth Study Bible:” https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/09/zondervan-releases-nasb-grace-and-truth-study-bible-1995-text/
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
S.2 E.24 Christian Standard Bible
The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is a new translation that splits the middle between formal and dynamic equivalence. I share a little about those involved in the translation as well as some endorsements for the version. At the close of the podcast, I discuss Mark Dever’s book, “The Compelling Community.”
“The Compelling Community: Where God’s Power Makes a Church Attractive,” by Mark Dever:
https://9marks.myshopify.com/products/the-compelling-community-where-gods-power-makes-a-church-attractive?_pos=1&_sid=156dffd97&_ss=r
CSB 2020 update information: https://csbible.com/2020updates/
Biblegateway on CSB: https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Christian-Standard-Bible-CSB/
Endorsements: https://csbible.com/about-the-csb/endorsements/
Changes from HCSB: https://csbible.com/ministry/hcsb-to-csb/
CSB oversight committee: https://csbible.com/about-the-csb/translation-oversight-committee/
CSB translators: https://csbible.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/TranslationTeam_HCSB-CSB-1.pdf
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.