Steadfast Hope and Faithfulness in a Changing World

 

Summary

In this engaging session of Ask Ligonier, we celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of Ligonier Ministries, reflecting on its rich history and ongoing mission to answer biblical and theological questions. Dr. W. Robert Godfrey, a prominent figure in church history and theology, joined us to address a wide array of inquiries from the audience, ranging from the nature of Christian hope in a changing world to the intricacies of Reformed theology.

We began by discussing the assurance and hope found in the Christian faith, particularly in the face of a rapidly changing world. Dr. Godfrey emphasized the importance of truth in a world awash with lies, drawing from the Psalms and the teachings of Paul to highlight the steadfastness of God's promises. He also touched on the significance of the resurrection and the apostolic tradition of worshiping on Sunday, underscoring the continuity of Christian practice through the ages.

The session included a lively lightning round where Dr. Godfrey addressed questions about the Dutch Reformation, the Puritans, and the nature of biblical laws. He provided insights into the historical and theological distinctions between moral, civil, and ceremonial laws, and how they apply to Christians today. The discussion also covered the role of music in worship, the challenges of contemporary church practices, and the enduring relevance of the Psalms as a model for worship.

Dr. Godfrey also tackled questions about the intermediate state, the scope of Christ's atonement, and the distinctives of Protestantism, particularly the authority of Scripture. He offered pastoral advice on how to live faithfully in a secular world, emphasizing the importance of community, patience, and prayer in witnessing to unbelieving family members and friends.

The conversation concluded with reflections on the historical context of the church, the challenges of modernity, and the enduring call to faithfulness. Dr. Godfrey encouraged believers to remain steadfast, drawing strength from the promises of God and the fellowship of the church.

Key Takeaways:

- Hope in a Changing World: In a world filled with lies and uncertainty, Christians find hope in the truth of God's promises. The assurance that "whether we live or die, we are the Lord's" provides a foundation for living faithfully amidst change. The work of ministries like Ligonier is crucial in spreading this truth and answering the questions that arise from a world in flux. [02:23]

- The Role of Worship and Music: Worship is central to the Christian life, and the choice of music can significantly impact the church's spiritual health. While contemporary music seeks to engage, it must not sacrifice depth and reverence. The Psalms offer a profound model for worship, emphasizing the need for songs that are theologically rich and spiritually nourishing. [17:41]

- Understanding Heresy and Apostasy: Heresy is a false teaching that endangers salvation, while apostasy is a complete falling away from the faith. Both are serious concerns that require vigilance and discernment. The church must uphold truth and love, recognizing the dangers of both doctrinal error and division. [19:15]

- Living as a Witness: Christians are called to live as witnesses to the truth, especially in environments where faith is not shared. This involves demonstrating a life transformed by Christ, speaking naturally about one's faith, and being patient and prayerful. The Spirit often opens hearts through questions and genuine relationships. [23:48]

- Navigating Anxiety in Troubled Times: In times of anxiety and fear, Christians are reminded of Christ's promise to build His church. The history of the church shows that Christianity can thrive under various conditions. Believers are encouraged to remain part of a church community, engage in prayer and Bible study, and trust in God's sovereign plan. [01:01:11]

YouTube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:22] - Introduction to Ligonier's 50th Anniversary
- [01:07] - Dr. Godfrey's Return
- [02:02] - Hope in a Changing World
- [03:23] - Beginning of Lightning Round
- [04:15] - Dutch Reformation and Teaching Series
- [05:20] - Worship on Sunday vs. Saturday
- [06:35] - Understanding Biblical Laws
- [07:24] - Introducing Psalm Singing
- [08:18] - The Intermediate State
- [09:32] - Protestant Distinctives
- [10:22] - God's Justice and Goodness
- [11:42] - Spiritual Growth for Teens
- [12:42] - Cessationism and Spiritual Gifts
- [14:24] - Lessons from Aimee Semple McPherson
- [16:36] - Excitement in Church Music
- [18:35] - Heresy vs. Apostasy
- [20:23] - Assurance of the True Gospel
- [23:17] - Witnessing to Unbelieving Family
- [25:25] - Warnings Against False Teaching
- [26:43] - Are We in the Last Days?
- [30:19] - Equipping to Teach Without a Degree
- [32:07] - The Whole Counsel of God
- [34:31] - Influence of Plymouth Colony
- [36:17] - Church History and Modern Parallels
- [40:22] - Courageous Calvinism
- [42:08] - Importance of Church Membership
- [44:07] - Second Lightning Round
- [54:21] - Reformers' View of Islam
- [56:49] - Perseverance of the Saints
- [58:21] - Predestination and Free Will
- [01:00:40] - Addressing Anxiety and Fear

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 1:21 - "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
2. Psalms 31:18 - "Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous."
3. Hebrews 10:25 - "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Dr. Godfrey identify as the source of Christian hope in a rapidly changing world? ([02:02])
2. How does Dr. Godfrey describe the role of music in worship, and what concerns does he raise about contemporary music? ([17:13])
3. What distinctions does Dr. Godfrey make between heresy and apostasy, and why are both significant for the church? ([19:15])
4. According to Dr. Godfrey, what is the importance of community and church fellowship in a believer's life? ([23:17])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the assurance found in Philippians 1:21 provide a foundation for living faithfully amidst change, as discussed by Dr. Godfrey? ([02:02])
2. In what ways does the prevalence of lies in the world today, as mentioned in Psalms 31:18, challenge Christians to uphold truth? ([02:57])
3. How does Hebrews 10:25 relate to Dr. Godfrey's emphasis on the importance of church community and gathering together? ([23:17])
4. What are the implications of Dr. Godfrey's discussion on the perseverance of the saints for understanding the relationship between predestination and free will? ([58:21])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on Philippians 1:21. How does this verse challenge your perspective on life and death? What practical steps can you take to live with this mindset daily? ([02:02])
2. Dr. Godfrey emphasizes the importance of truth in a world filled with lies. Identify a situation where you have encountered falsehood. How can you respond with truth and integrity? ([02:57])
3. Consider the role of music in your worship experience. How can you ensure that the music you engage with is theologically rich and spiritually nourishing? ([17:13])
4. Dr. Godfrey discusses the importance of community. Are you actively participating in a church community? If not, what steps can you take to become more involved? ([23:17])
5. Reflect on a time when you felt anxious about the state of the world. How can the promise of Christ building His church provide comfort and assurance in those moments? ([01:01:11])
6. Dr. Godfrey talks about living as a witness to unbelieving family members. Identify one family member or friend who does not share your faith. How can you naturally share your faith with them this week? ([23:48])
7. How can you cultivate patience and prayer in your life, especially when witnessing to others who may not share your beliefs? ([23:48])

Devotional

Day 1: Hope Anchored in Truth
In a world filled with lies and uncertainty, Christians find hope in the truth of God's promises. The assurance that "whether we live or die, we are the Lord's" provides a foundation for living faithfully amidst change. The work of ministries like Ligonier is crucial in spreading this truth and answering the questions that arise from a world in flux. [02:23]

"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." (Psalm 33:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's promises? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?


Day 2: Worship Through Theologically Rich Music
Worship is central to the Christian life, and the choice of music can significantly impact the church's spiritual health. While contemporary music seeks to engage, it must not sacrifice depth and reverence. The Psalms offer a profound model for worship, emphasizing the need for songs that are theologically rich and spiritually nourishing. [17:41]

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: Consider the music you listen to during worship. Does it deepen your understanding of God? How can you incorporate more theologically rich songs into your personal worship time?


Day 3: Guarding Against Heresy and Apostasy
Heresy is a false teaching that endangers salvation, while apostasy is a complete falling away from the faith. Both are serious concerns that require vigilance and discernment. The church must uphold truth and love, recognizing the dangers of both doctrinal error and division. [19:15]

"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction." (2 Peter 2:1, ESV)

Reflection: Are there teachings or beliefs you hold that might not align with Scripture? How can you seek guidance to discern truth from error?


Day 4: Living as a Witness in a Secular World
Christians are called to live as witnesses to the truth, especially in environments where faith is not shared. This involves demonstrating a life transformed by Christ, speaking naturally about one's faith, and being patient and prayerful. The Spirit often opens hearts through questions and genuine relationships. [23:48]

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the light of Christ through you? What practical steps can you take to be a witness to them today?


Day 5: Trusting God's Sovereignty Amidst Anxiety
In times of anxiety and fear, Christians are reminded of Christ's promise to build His church. The history of the church shows that Christianity can thrive under various conditions. Believers are encouraged to remain part of a church community, engage in prayer and Bible study, and trust in God's sovereign plan. [01:01:11]

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What specific anxieties are you facing today? How can you bring these concerns to God in prayer and trust in His peace?

Quotes

GODFREY: Well, I suppose the wonderful words of Paul in Philippians, "Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's," and it has come home to me that there are so many people in this world who have nothing beyond this world, and therefore cling to it with a ferociousness that is alarming in many circumstances and leaves them open to believe the lie. [00:02:14]

GODFREY: And I remember when I was younger I thought, "You know, isn't that kind of overblown?" you know, but it has really come home to me that we are awash in lies of one sort or another. And, of course, the devil doesn't really care which lie we believe as long as we don't believe the truth. [00:02:52]

GODFREY: I would answer just saying that that's what the apostles taught us to do to mark the resurrection of our Lord and to mark that while all creation worked in a hope of rest to come, in the resurrection of Christ we rest and then work in the light of that rest. So, I believe it's an apostolic requirement that we worship on Sunday. [00:05:14]

GODFREY: The intermediate state is the state of the soul after the death of the body and before the resurrection of the body, and whereas a small number of Christians have believed that the soul sleeps in the intermediate state, almost all Christians have believed rightly, I think, biblically, that the soul is conscious in heaven in the presence of the Lord waiting the resurrection of the body. [00:08:04]

GODFREY: I would say what most makes a Christian a Protestant is the issue in the first place of authority. Where do we look for authoritative truth to guide us as Christians? And Protestants believe it's in the Bible. It's the Bible alone, sola Scriptura, as the formal principle of the Reformation, and I think that is crucial, especially in our day where there are so many doubts about the Bible. [00:08:59]

GODFREY: I think as a teen, it is crucial to fellowship in the Christian community. I think one of the temptations today, perhaps particularly because of social media from where this question may have come, I think social media is very isolating and individualizing, and teens particularly need the fellowship of the Christian community and particularly the fellowship of older people in the Christian community. [00:11:49]

GODFREY: Well, I think what we can learn from the ministry of Aimee Semple McPherson on the more negative side is the tendency of American evangelicalism to seek out ever greater forms of excitement to try to move people towards Christ, and to learn the lesson that ultimately excitement is not what's going to bring people to Christ and keep them in Christ. [00:14:32]

GODFREY: And I think her passion should inspire us and should lead us to be determined to be modern Christians. My wife always said to me that "If the sixteenth century ever came back, I would be ready." And it's true, but the sixteenth century is not coming back. The twentieth century is not coming back. And God calls us to live in our own time. [00:15:37]

GODFREY: And I have a friend who said some studies have suggested that rather than being the door into the church, contemporary music has been the door out of the church. It's an interesting thing to think about and investigate. And it is certainly true that in much of the twentieth century, the church sang some pretty bad nineteenth-century music. [00:17:18]

GODFREY: Well, heresy historically was defined by the church as a false teaching which is so false that it deprives one of salvation, and the distinction then is usually made between heresy as soul damning and error which may be problematic but is not a heresy. And then heresy is also sometimes compared with schism, division in the church, and the historic definition was that heresy was a sin against truth and schism was the sin against love. [00:18:36]

GODFREY: Live for the Lord. Let them see your life is different, and I would say, I've said this to parents who had trouble with children, "No one was ever nagged into the kingdom of heaven." And so, bearing witness to your parents is also a matter of not being obnoxious, but being open to opportunities to speak about the Lord. [00:23:21]

GODFREY: I would say in terms of the big picture, always remember Christ said, "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." And when you look through history, Christianity has survived and thrived under dictatorships, under persecution, under democracies, under monarchies. In every conceivable culture and political environment, Christianity has been able to survive and thrive because Christ will build His church. [01:00:50]

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Transcript
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