Acts 8 tells us that "Even Simon himself believed."
It also tells us that "he was baptized."
Yet later, Peter spoke to him in a condemning fashion.
So, what exactly did Simon "believe?"
Will Christians meet him in the new creation?
Justin seeks to clarify how the issue should be understood.
*Clarification:* it's debatable what it means that the Samaritans received The Holy Spirit. It could have more to do with the manifestation of gifts than being indwelt. Justin says that given his comment that the Samaritans were eventually sealed for the day of redemption.
Esau.
That name sends a chill up and down the spines of many Christians.
Because, repentance.
They understand Hebrews 12:17 to mean that he wanted to repent of sin, but his window to do so had closed.
And, they fear the same has actually happened to them.
But is that what the letter's author meant?
Justin believes a different understanding is more accurate, and hopes to calm his brothers' and sisters' nerves.
It's believed and taught that Christians must obey in order to remain saved.
Justin still doesn't believe that.
He explains why with more commentary which is rooted in Scripture.
Listen, and become further equipped to refute that false and damning claim.
Perhaps you've read Justin's writing on the subject.
Whether you have or haven't, he now speaks on it.
It's believed and taught that Christians must obey in order to remain saved.
Justin doesn't believe that.
He explains why with commentary which is rooted in Scripture.
Listen, and become equipped to refute that false and damning claim.
Justin believes that Hebrews, 1 John, and Revelation are the epistles which frighten Christians the most.
On this episode, the best Old Testament commentary is front-and-center.
It happens to contain several warnings.
And they paralyze many of Justin's brothers and sisters.
He aches for them.
And he aims to shed light on how the warnings are misunderstood.
Leviticus.
Is it possible to look forward to reading that book when it shows up on your Bible-reading plan?
If it seems crazy to ask that question, brace yourself.
Is it possible to be...excited while reading it?
Justin believes, yes.
Join him for a high-level walkthrough of Moses' third book, and hopefully understand why.
Repentance.
That might be the most controversial topic in Scripture.
What is it?
What isn't it?
Justin offers answers to those questions.
And he does so in part by connecting Jesus' earthly ministry to a concept in the Old Testament which he believes is overlooked.
Do you struggle with morbid introspection...
...with anxiety, dread, depression, despair, panic attacks?
And likely, by extension, assurance?
Well, the Reformation concept of 'extra nos' might help you.
It helps answer questions like, "where does a sinner's salvation lie?"
And Justin believes it's also invaluable for strengthening assurance.
God's Way of Peace: https://www.monergism.com/gods-way-peace-ebook
The reformer John Calvin wrote, "We ought to read the Scriptures with the express design of finding Christ in them."
He did because Christ said that.
Church leaders and congregants need to do that.
Christ is to be found outside the gospel accounts.
Justin offers insight into how that is done.
"Have I taken the mark of the beast?"
Much preaching from and teaching on the book of Revelation results in my brothers and sisters asking themselves and others that question.
Have any of us taken the mark of the beast?
Can any of us take it?
Justin seeks to provide clarity on the subject.
"How do I know?..."
Justin believes that is the most commonly-asked question among professing Christians today.
And it's usually followed by something specific.
"...I'm a Christian?"
"...I'm saved?"
"...I'm elect?"
"...my faith is genuine?"
"...that I'm not deceived?"
Justin also believes that he can help his brothers and sisters with that question.
I ask that regardless of your perspective, you listen with an open mind.
I ask that you not assume things before, during, or after listening.
I ask that you take time to process what I say.
Sisters in Christ, I recorded this especially for you.
I believe it's high time that Christians better understand a statement which Paul wrote to Timothy.
It is one of Scripture's most controversial verses.
The fallout of misguided preaching and teaching on it is incalculable.
Many have been robbed of rest in Christ.
Relationships among God's people have suffered.
Much opportunity for learning theology and doctrine has been squandered.
Unity in the church at large is far from where it ought to be.
Thank God then that in The Gospel, there is hope and healing.
2 Corinthians 7.
Worldly grief.
Godly grief.
Did Paul mean for professing Christians to determine which one they experience?
Did the apostle want people questioning their salvation?
What is worldly grief anyway? Or godly, for that matter?
Justin seeks to answer those questions.
Justin still isn't about to declare which Christian tradition or denomination is the 'best.'
(If that doesn't make sense...please see the previous episode, Part 1.)
He still wants nothing to do with tribalism.
He wants you to understand how the church is meant to operate according to the New Testament.
That starts with preaching.
Justin switches gears to the sacraments, and discipline.
Tune in for explanations.
link to Belgic confession: https://www.rca.org/about/theology/creeds-and-confessions/the-belgic-confession/#article29
True church?
If that makes you nervous, please rest easy.
Justin isn't about to declare which Christian tradition or denomination is the 'best.'
He wants nothing to do with tribalism.
He wants you to understand how the church is meant to operate according to the New Testament.
That starts with preaching.
Pure Gospel preaching, that is.
Tune in for an explanation.
link to Belgic confession: https://www.rca.org/about/theology/creeds-and-confessions/the-belgic-confession/#article29
Mainstream preaching and teaching present 1 John as a series of tests.
Passing the tests means one can be confident of salvation.
That is, until doubt creeps in...
And for many, doubt sticks around...only to become despair.
Hmm...
Is that why the apostle wrote his first inspired letter?
Did John write to test the salvation of his original readers?
There is a small but growing minority which vehemently disagrees with the mainstream.
What is the disagreement, and is it legitimate?
Justin explains, and hopes to put confusion about 1 John to rest.
Understanding and embracing what it means to be in Christ is of paramount importance.
The doctrine is prevalent in the New Testament epistles, after all.
It informs us what to believe about ourselves, our Father, and Christian living.
On this episode, Justin does some digging into the concept for your encouragement.
What is good news?
How would you answer that question?
Justin offers an answer here.
If the answer seems straightforward, that begs another question..."Why do so many get The Gospel wrong?"
The Gospel is good news. That means something for the believer's assurance.
video of Michael Horton take: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caMVMayR690
Imagine...
For a dozen years, you've gone out in public...and the only attention you're paid is so that people can keep their distance and utterly ignore you.
No one talks to you or touches you in any kind of positive fashion.
I don't think any of us would wish that on our worst enemy, yet a real person experienced that very thing.
That person had a face-to-face encounter with God in the flesh, and it was altogether positive.
The narrative is worth everyone's close study.
Many believe Scripture to teach that God erases names from The Book of Life.
It's understandable, but is that really what Scripture says?
Can professing Christians disobey their way out of The Book of Life?
How should the verses which people believe say that God erases names from The Book of Life be understood?
Justin seeks to answer that question on this episode.