Spiritual blindness is our moral, fallen condition (in Adam) and this is no more apparent than in the reaction of the Jews to Jesus’ cleansing of the temple. And yet, without the work of the Holy Spirit, all of us are also blind to the truth, even when the truth is standing right in front of us.
Text: John 2:18-22
I was interviewed yesterday for a BRIDGE radio podcast on the subject of unconditional election (the “U” in the well known acrostic TULIP). Guest teachers in the series so far include Dr. John Frame and Jeff Durbin, and will be followed by Dr. James White, and Dr. Joel Beeke.
Here’s a link to yesterday’s podcast.
On Tuesday, April 17, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson was a special guest for an “Ask Ligonier Team” event, answering biblical and theological questions live online.
Time Stamp for Questions:
What is the difference, if any, between ‘godliness’ and ‘holiness’? (1:06)
Which comes first in the Ordo Salutis (order of salvation)—faith or regeneration? (1:58)
How do I know that I am elect? How do I know my faith is genuine? (3:13)
How should I preach the doctrines of grace? (5:00)
How do you know if God has called you to be a pastor? (7:21)
Why should we pray if God has planned all things? (11:07)
What are the essential qualities of a Christian? (13:16)
How do we obey the moral law without being moralistic? (15:27)
What is the meaning of propitiation? (19:25)
How do we use the apocryphal books as Reformed Protestants? (22:10)
Will Christian who have been forgiven answer for their sins in judgment? (23:38)
Why did Jesus speak in parables? (28:15)
How do you explain the doctrine of election to an unbeliever? (30:47)
Do you have any advice for new ministers in the Bible Belt surrounded by a charismatic influence? (33:20)
In this day when the gospel is considered offensive and intolerant, how can I work without losing my job? (35:58)
What do you hope to see in ministers in the next 20 years? What advice would you give? (38:11)
What level of importance should church history have in my walk as a Christian? (39:09)
What is the greatest challenge in the church today? (40:47)
What book or resource would you recommend to a new believer? (43:09)
What is the best way to describe repentance to an unbeliever? (45:01)
Is suicide the unpardonable sin? (46:37)
What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit’s work and our effort in sanctification? (49:01)
If a new believer becomes paralyzed or brain dead and never shows “good works,” how do we know they are saved? (50:05)
Based on Acts 16:31, “believe…you will be saved…you and your household,” can we ask God to save our household? (52:44)
How would you relate the doctrine of adoption with the sacraments? (54:59)
Are all Christians called to be missionaries and/or do the work the work of missionaries? (58:04)
What are the pros and cons of formal church membership? (59:11)