Renewing Your Mind

In this engaging discussion, Michael Reeves, president of Union School of Theology, dives deep into the biblical perspective on sin. He contrasts optimistic cultural beliefs with Luther's view of sin's severity, illustrating how it runs deeper than mere choices. Reeves explains the concept of the 'bondage of the will,' emphasizing that our hearts are enslaved to sin without divine intervention. The conversation ultimately reveals that embracing our helplessness leads us to rely on God's grace for genuine transformation and renewal.

In this enlightening discussion, R.C. Sproul, a renowned theologian and founder of Ligonier Ministries, dives deep into the nature of sin and its temporary allure. He explains how the law reveals our moral failures and convicts our consciences, driving us closer to Christ. Sproul contrasts fleeting pleasures of sin with genuine happiness, stressing that while the law is holy, it often leads to death in us. He also addresses the lifelong struggle between spirit and flesh faced by every Christian, highlighting the importance of resisting our carnal desires.

W. Robert Godfrey, a teaching fellow at Ligonier Ministries and former president of Westminster Seminary California, dives into the challenging letters of Revelation. He discusses the pressures faced by early churches like Pergamum, warning against idolatry and immorality. Godfrey highlights the dangers of false teachings in Thyatira, particularly the divisive 'Jezebel' influence, and calls for a return to apostolic teachings. He also emphasizes the spiritual wake-up call for Sardis, urging believers to reclaim their faith and offers assurances for the faithful.

In this engaging discussion, R.C. Sproul, a renowned theologian and founder of Ligonier Ministries, reads his children's book that tells the story of Martin Luther's insightful advice to a barber about prayer. Topics include effective prayer techniques, Luther's simple methods for memorizing vital texts like the Lord's Prayer, and practical tips for parents to inspire their children's spiritual growth. Sproul also reflects on the importance of stories in teaching families about faith, making this a delightful and informative listen.

In this enlightening conversation, Joel Beeke, President of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, shares powerful insights on overcoming doubts about salvation. He outlines ten practical steps to grow in assurance, including prayer, Scripture promises, and self-examination. Joel emphasizes the importance of spiritual disciplines and the community of believers for strengthening faith. He candidly addresses how even assured Christians face doubt and offers guidance on seeking help and reflecting on God's past faithfulness. The discussion closes with a heartfelt invitation for seekers to trust Christ.

Joel Beeke, president and professor at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, dives into the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. He reveals five compelling evidences from Romans 8 that show how the Spirit shapes conscience, fosters spiritual desires, and guides through Scripture. Beeke emphasizes the transformative power of adoption, allowing believers to call God 'Abba Father.' He also explores how suffering prepares us for inheritance, enhancing our witness as children of God.

Joel Beeke, a prominent Puritan scholar and president of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, dives into the often shaky ground of assurance in faith. He explains why personal sin and backsliding can erode our sense of security in salvation. Beeke discusses how God may withhold assurance as a form of correction and emphasizes the importance of clinging to divine promises during trials. Listeners learn that renewal of assurance is possible through repentance and spiritual discipline, offering hope for overcoming temporary doubts.

Joel Beeke, president of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and an expert on assurance of faith, dives deep into cultivating spiritual assurance through practical disciplines. He explains the relationship between faith and assurance, using the acorn/oak analogy. Beeke identifies four key spiritual practices: Scripture reading, sacraments, prayer, and even afflictions that can enhance one's assurance. His insights on meditating on Scripture and the significance of prayer offer listeners a roadmap for spiritual growth and deeper confidence in their faith.

R.C. Sproul, a renowned theologian and founder of Ligonier Ministries, intricately explores the relationship between grace and the law in the Christian life. He uses Paul's marriage analogy from Romans to illustrate how believers are freed from the law's dominion through their union with Christ. Sproul emphasizes that while the law no longer serves as a means of salvation, it remains a vital guide for moral behavior and a mirror revealing God’s holiness. He further cautions against misinterpreting freedom as a license to sin, underscoring the transformative power of living in the Spirit.

Since we live under grace, we’re no longer slaves to the law. Yet God’s law still plays an important role in the Christian life. From his sermon series in Romans, today R.C. Sproul explains our relationship to the law as people justified by faith alone. Request R.C. Sproul’s commentary on the book of Romans with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4344/offer   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request the Romans commentary ebook with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global Tune out the noise and tune in to RefNet, Ligonier’s free 24/7 internet radio app. Download today and start listening: http://refnet.fm/app Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts