Unbreakable Love: Embracing Scripture and Life's Sanctity

 

Summary

In our time together, we explored a range of theological and biblical questions, delving into the depths of Scripture and its application in our lives. We began by discussing the significance of Romans 8, a chapter rich with gospel truths and assurances of God's unbreakable love for us. This chapter serves as a beacon of hope, especially in times of trial, reminding us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

We also examined the principle of Sola Scriptura, emphasizing the authority of Scripture over human opinion. This principle, a cornerstone of the Reformation, calls us to seek answers in the Bible, placing it above all human traditions and interpretations. In our exploration of what constitutes a biblical church, we highlighted the importance of faithful preaching, proper administration of sacraments, and the exercise of church discipline.

The discussion on interpreting Scripture without a seminary background led us to affirm the perspicuity of Scripture, which assures us that the essential truths of the Bible are accessible to all believers. However, for deeper understanding, especially for those called to preach, a structured study of hermeneutics is beneficial.

We touched on the nature of prayer, advocating for a Trinitarian approach while acknowledging the appropriateness of addressing each person of the Trinity in prayer. The conversation on discerning God's will reminded us that understanding Scripture provides clarity on most ethical and moral decisions we face.

The role of entertainment in the church was another topic of interest. While acknowledging the place of joy and fellowship among believers, we affirmed that worship should remain reverent and focused on glorifying God, not on entertainment.

Finally, we addressed the sensitive issue of abortion, affirming the sanctity of life from conception, as seen in Psalm 139 and the incarnation of Christ. The church's mandate to speak against abortion is rooted in the commandment "Thou shalt not kill," emphasizing the value of life at all stages.

Key Takeaways:

- Romans 8 is a profound chapter that reassures us of God's unwavering love. It is a source of comfort and hope, especially in times of distress, reminding us that nothing can separate us from Christ's love. [01:15]

- Sola Scriptura emphasizes the Bible's authority over human opinion. It calls us to seek answers in Scripture, ensuring that our beliefs and practices align with God's Word rather than human traditions. [03:03]

- The perspicuity of Scripture assures us that its essential truths are accessible to all believers. While deeper study is beneficial for preachers, every Christian can understand the core doctrines with the right resources and guidance. [04:31]

- Prayer should be Trinitarian, reflecting our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While it's appropriate to address each person of the Trinity, our prayers should generally follow the pattern of praying to the Father through the Son by the Spirit. [05:27]

- The sanctity of life is affirmed from conception, as seen in Scripture. The church has a mandate to speak against abortion, rooted in the commandment to value and protect life at all stages. [15:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Ask Ligonier
- [00:26] - Guest Introduction: Dr. Derek Thomas
- [01:02] - Romans 8: The Greatest Chapter
- [02:34] - Lightning Round Begins
- [02:46] - What is Sola Scriptura?
- [03:42] - Marks of a Biblical Church
- [04:17] - Interpreting Scripture Without Seminary
- [05:08] - Trinitarian Prayer
- [06:22] - Discerning God's Will
- [07:22] - Role of Entertainment in Church
- [08:31] - Created in God's Image
- [09:14] - Understanding Mosaic Law
- [11:43] - Romans 1:28 Explained
- [14:46] - Biblical Reference on Abortion
- [17:07] - Baptized Infants and Union with Christ
- [20:38] - Do All Babies Go to Heaven?
- [22:24] - Challenges Facing Pastors Today
- [25:26] - Advice to Young Pastors
- [28:30] - Ministry During the Troubles in Belfast
- [33:21] - Advice to High School Students
- [35:07] - Eschatological Views
- [37:46] - When Was the Church Founded?
- [39:12] - The Lord's Day Sabbath
- [42:14] - Recommended Bible Translation
- [44:02] - Should Elders Take Sabbaticals?
- [46:15] - Favorite Classical Music
- [47:45] - Young Earth vs. Old Earth
- [48:38] - Favorite Book Other Than the Bible
- [50:14] - What Should the Church Address Today?
- [51:05] - Evidence of Knowing Christ
- [52:04] - Jesus' Knowledge of the Second Coming
- [53:40] - Sharing the Gospel with LGBTQ Individuals
- [55:31] - Handling a Gay Daughter
- [57:11] - Pilgrim's Progress and Salvation
- [59:02] - Reformed Theology and Diversity
- [01:00:20] - Sharing the Gospel with the Dying
- [01:02:03] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 8:1-39
2. Psalm 139:13-16
3. Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord's Prayer)

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Observation Questions:

1. What are some of the key gospel truths found in Romans 8 that were highlighted in the sermon? ([01:15])

2. How does the principle of Sola Scriptura influence our understanding of the Bible's authority over human opinion? ([03:03])

3. What does the sermon suggest about the accessibility of essential biblical truths to all believers, even those without a seminary background? ([04:31])

4. How does the sermon describe the appropriate way to approach prayer in a Trinitarian manner? ([05:27])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Romans 8 assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. How might this assurance impact a believer's response to trials and challenges? ([01:15])

2. The sermon emphasizes the authority of Scripture over human traditions. How can this principle guide a church in maintaining doctrinal purity? ([03:03])

3. The sermon discusses the perspicuity of Scripture. How does this concept encourage individual Bible study and understanding among believers? ([04:31])

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a Trinitarian approach to prayer can deepen a believer's relationship with God? ([05:27])

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Application Questions:

1. Romans 8 speaks of God's unbreakable love. Can you recall a time when this assurance helped you through a difficult situation? How did it change your perspective? ([01:15])

2. How can you ensure that your beliefs and practices are aligned with Scripture rather than human traditions? What steps can you take to prioritize Sola Scriptura in your daily life? ([03:03])

3. The sermon mentions the importance of understanding Scripture without a seminary background. What resources or practices can you incorporate into your routine to deepen your biblical understanding? ([04:31])

4. Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you incorporate a more Trinitarian approach to your prayers, and what impact do you think this might have on your spiritual growth? ([05:27])

5. The sermon addresses the sanctity of life from conception. How does this perspective influence your views on contemporary ethical issues, and how can you engage in conversations about these topics with others? ([15:17])

6. Consider the role of entertainment in your church experience. How can you balance joy and fellowship with maintaining a focus on reverent worship? ([07:22])

7. The sermon discusses discerning God's will through Scripture. What specific decisions or challenges are you currently facing where you need clarity, and how can Scripture guide you in these areas? ([06:22])

Devotional

Day 1: God's Unbreakable Love in Trials
In Romans 8, we find a profound assurance of God's unwavering love for us, a love that remains steadfast even in the midst of life's trials. This chapter serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. It is a source of comfort and strength, especially when we face challenges and uncertainties. The promise of God's unbreakable love encourages us to trust in His faithfulness and to find peace in His presence, knowing that we are secure in His hands. [01:15]

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you remind yourself of God's unbreakable love in this situation today?


Day 2: Scripture as the Ultimate Authority
The principle of Sola Scriptura emphasizes the authority of Scripture over human opinion and tradition. It calls us to seek answers in the Bible, ensuring that our beliefs and practices align with God's Word rather than human interpretations. This principle, a cornerstone of the Reformation, challenges us to prioritize Scripture in our decision-making and to evaluate our lives through the lens of biblical truth. By doing so, we can ensure that our faith is rooted in the unchanging Word of God. [03:03]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a belief or practice in your life that you need to reevaluate in light of Scripture? How can you begin to align it with God's Word today?


Day 3: The Clarity of Scripture for All Believers
The perspicuity of Scripture assures us that its essential truths are accessible to all believers, regardless of their background or education. While deeper study is beneficial for those called to preach, every Christian can understand the core doctrines with the right resources and guidance. This accessibility encourages us to engage with the Bible personally and to seek God's wisdom in our daily lives. It reminds us that God's Word is meant to be understood and applied by all who seek Him. [04:31]

"The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple." (Psalm 119:130, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of Scripture you find challenging to understand? How can you seek guidance or resources to gain clarity on this topic today?


Day 4: Trinitarian Prayer and Relationship
Prayer should be Trinitarian, reflecting our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While it's appropriate to address each person of the Trinity, our prayers should generally follow the pattern of praying to the Father through the Son by the Spirit. This approach to prayer acknowledges the distinct roles of each person of the Trinity and deepens our understanding of our relationship with God. It encourages us to engage in prayer that is both reverent and relational, drawing us closer to the heart of God. [05:27]

"For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father." (Ephesians 2:18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate a Trinitarian approach in your prayer life today? What difference might it make in your relationship with God?


Day 5: The Sanctity of Life from Conception
The sanctity of life is affirmed from conception, as seen in Scripture. The church has a mandate to speak against abortion, rooted in the commandment to value and protect life at all stages. This belief is grounded in the understanding that every life is created in the image of God and is precious in His sight. As believers, we are called to uphold the value of life and to advocate for the protection of the most vulnerable among us. [15:17]

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively support the sanctity of life in your community today? What steps can you take to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves?

Quotes


I've said that many times I wasn't the first person to say that and I I can't but imagine that ever since Paul penned Romans that the eighth chapter became a favorite because it contains so many gospel notes and some of the most famous texts in all of Scripture are in Romans 8. [00:01:11]

The Reformation was in many respects a recovery of the authority of Scripture over all of doctrine and all of life. The final answer to any question is what does the Bible have to say about this, and so putting scripture above human opinion whether that's the opinion of a single individual or a preacher or a commentator or a pope or or the opinion of a collection of like a like a council or a synod scripture is the final authority. [00:02:56]

We believe in something called the perspicuity of Scripture. It's at the heart of the Westminster confession for example in the first chapter and that and that says that that any Christian with the right use of means like preaching or a commentator or being blowing to a Bible study or asking someone who has more knowledge can come to an understanding of the essential doctrines of the Bible. [00:04:22]

I think that there is a rule of thumb a general rule of thumb that we pray to the Father through the intercession of the Lord Jesus and by the help and strength of the Holy Spirit so I think I think prayer generally speaking should be Trinitarian. Jesus taught his disciples to pray saying our Father who art in heaven. [00:05:18]

The psalmist speaks of a relationship of God with the individual from the moment of conception but just think of of Jesus when the Holy Spirit conceived in the womb of the Virgin Mary the infant Jesus who is a day old a week old a month old who's in the third trimester at what point is is Jesus the Incarnate son of God and the answer is from Gabriel himself that it's at the moment of his conception. [00:15:07]

I think that it is important to remind children of their baptism and if there were baptized as infants then they're not going to have a memory of their baptism so they they need to be reminded that they are baptized and and there are implications of being baptized and there are consequences in terms of the privileges that baptism entails and that they've been raised in a godly home. [00:19:08]

The biggest challenge facing pastors there are many I mean I think that post modernity or late modernity whatever you want to call it you know has done a number on our society and therefore getting a platform in which what you are saying is being heard the way you intend it to be heard is increasingly more difficult and it's not just out there it's it's the congregation that you're actually speaking to who are constantly being molded and shaped by a broad abroad of what is acceptable and what isn't in terms of truth and doctrine and morals. [00:22:24]

Preach the gospel to yourself every day I think that that that becomes important but there are opportunities to serve the Lord that only come at certain times in one's life and you know the youth sometimes have a lot of zeal but no knowledge and and the trick is you don't want to pour water on the fire and put the fire out you just want to so steer them in the right direction. [00:33:21]

I think that preaching needs to be exposition of the word and needs to be about the gospel and not be driven by social issues the social issues can be applications of preaching but they must not be the vehicle through which we address the world only the gospel can change this this rotten world of ours you know and there there are there are many things that are troubling God's people at the minute and some of them are social issues and sexual identity issues. [00:50:14]

One of the evidences of a new birth one of the evidences of genuine faith is that you love Jesus and you love Jesus is loss so a desire to keep the law desire to be holy which is our sees book that you're giving away is one of the evidences of being a Christian and it's the only place where Christian will find true contentment and joy and happiness is that when you when you're walking in the will of the Lord keeping his Commandments. [00:51:05]

We must love those to whom we witness no matter who they are we're to love our enemies but to love our neighbors and so difficult under us there are examples and scenarios where this is difficult and that's not peculiar to LGBTQ issues but what they need is the gospel and it's it's the difficulty of having firm convictions about sexual identity about maleness and femaleness and not being seen as a bigot because that is the catalyst of our society that that if you are not open-minded you are a bigot. [00:52:04]

There are surely opportunities when somebody is facing near certain death to show love and tenderness and compassion just to speak about heaven to speak about the hope that lies before someone who who knows the gospel who loves Jesus and that this is just slipping into a fold in space and and you wake up in heaven there are opportunities I mean you know the the cross the three crosses it was the same event in all three it was a crucifixion it in one it was softening in one it was hardening and in another it was atoning right so the mere fact that one is aware that that one is dying does not necessarily induce a softening and an openness to receive the gospel it can just as easily Harden but to look for those opportunities where you can speak a gentle word or or or just to say connect can I pray for you and that's a little in mind indirect and bring the gospel into your prayer. [01:00:20]

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Transcript
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