Gavin Ortlund, Dr. Jordan Cooper, and Dr. Michael Horton discuss the Reformation doctrine of justification through faith alone, the question of medieval nominalism, nature and grace, the donum superadditum, the accusation that justification is a "legal fiction," and various other topics.
This is part 3 of a 6 part series.
DEFENDING THE REFORMATION is a 6 part series bringing together Gavin Ortlund, Jordan Cooper, and Michael Horton to address some of the most prominent criticisms of the Reformation and key Protestant doctrines. Were the Reformers true reformers or radical revolutionaries? Does Sola Scriptura undermine church tradition? Is Sola Fide merely a product of nominalism? Together, these Protestant theologians examine the historical context, theological depth, and biblical fidelity of the Reformation. Subscribe to each channel to follow the whole series:
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The other videos in this series:
Part 1: • Reformers or Revolutionaries? Why the Chur...
Part 2: • Is Scripture the Only Infallible Rule? (Dr...
A brief introduction to nominalism: • Nominalism Explained
The human eye is often used as a slam-dunk argument for evolution, even Darwin thought it was a problem. From missing fossil stages to claims of “bad design,” this video follows the evidence behind one of biology’s most famous examples.
Turns out, the eye may be doing more than just seeing. 👀
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Are you interested in the origins of life and the universe? Get this free book and explore the debate between Darwinian evolution and intelligent design. If you're intrigued by the origins of life, this is a must-read. It might change the way you view our world.
The Discovery Science News Channel is the official Youtube channel of Discovery Institute's Center for Science & Culture. The CSC is the institutional hub for scientists, educators, and inquiring minds who think that nature supplies compelling evidence of intelligent design. The CSC supports research, sponsors educational programs, defends free speech, and produce articles, books, and multimedia content. For more information visit:
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Dr. James Tour interviews author and social critic Os Guinness about American Agonistes, exploring the Jewish and biblical roots of American freedom, covenantal self-government, and the gospel as the true foundation of liberty. They contrast biblical freedom with secular ideologies, warn about America’s current polarization and dependence on the state, and call for repentance, renewal, and a return to Scripture as the nation nears its 250th anniversary.
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Discord: 💬 / discord 00:00 Gospel, atheists, and why alternatives fail
03:09 Hebrew roots of American freedom and covenant
06:26 Mayflower, covenant politics, Constitution
09:53 Living constitution debate and deep division
13:01 Biblical freedom, fate, and human dignity
16:24 Hurricane story, service, and neighborly love
21:20 Incarnation, cross, and forgiving enemies
24:44 Transformed lives as witness to the gospel
30:56 Science limits, evolution doubts, honest doubt
36:34 Nanny state, self-governance, responsibility
44:35 Freedom from sin, joy, and gospel’s power
48:55 Call for renewal, Scripture, America’s future
Tis the Season: A Journey Through Advent
Joy to the World (Isaiah 55:1-13)
Big Idea for This Week: Christmas is God’s invitation to enter the joy of His salvation.
Sermon Outline
1. The Joy of God’s Invitation to True Satisfaction (Isaiah 55:1–2)
God issues a universal invitation to the spiritually thirsty, urging them to come and receive true sustenance without cost, as the meal has already been paid for. We are encouraged to stop laboring for temporary things and delight in the rich food that satisfies the soul forever.
2. The Joy of God’s Blessings in the New Covenant (Isaiah 55:3–5)
This invitation leads us into a special, everlasting covenant relationship with God. By listening, our soul may live, and we are included in the steadfast love for David, anticipating the glory of the New David (Christ).
3. The Joy of God’s Pardon Received in Repentance (Isaiah 55:6–7)
We must respond to this invitation by seeking the Lord while He may be found and calling upon Him while He is near.
God will abundantly pardon us if we forsake our wicked ways and return to Him with repentance.
4. The Joy of God’s Word Accomplishing Its Purpose (Isaiah 55:8–11)
God’s thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than ours, especially in His patience and forgiveness. Just as the rain waters the earth, God's word goes out and will certainly accomplish the purpose for which it was sent.
5. The Joy of God’s Promise of New Creation (Isaiah 55:12–13)
This invitation is a call to action that leads to going out in joy and being led forth in peace. The future promises a new world where God reverses the curse (thorns to cypress) and nature itself rejoices.
Study Questions for Reflection
• The Joy of God’s Invitation to True Satisfaction
o What are you currently spending your time and labor on that does not ultimately satisfy your soul? The call to "COME" is repeated four times. What makes you feel spiritually "thirsty" today, and how does God's invitation address that need?
• The Joy of God’s Blessings in the New Covenant
o What does it mean to you personally to be included in God's "everlasting covenant," and what is the blessing of having a "special relationship" with God?
• The Joy of God’s Pardon Received in Repentance
o What specific "way" or "unrighteous thought" do you need to forsake this week in order to return to the Lord?
What does it look like to "seek the Lord" and "call upon him" in your daily life while He is near?
• The Joy of God’s Word Accomplishing Its Purpose
o Where are you tempted to measure God's ability to forgive by the limited measure of human forgiveness, and how does the concept of His ways being "higher than your ways" change that? The Word is meant to make you respond.
What is one specific action God’s Word is calling you to take this week?
• The Joy of God’s Promise of New Creation
o How can meditating on the promise of New Creation, where there are "no more diseases" and joy is not marred by suffering, restore your hope in the midst of today's brokenness?
Practical Challenges
• Seek Him First: Consciously make time to "seek the Lord while he may be found" by reading a portion of the Bible or praying today.
• Identify Your Thirst: Name the one thing (truth, meaning, purpose) your soul is thirstiest for, and pray specifically for God to satisfy that need with the "water, wine, and milk" of His invitation.
• Respond with Repentance: Identify one area where you are currently living according to "your ways" instead of God's ways, and confess it, trading it for His abundant pardon.
• Anticipate New Creation: Look for a piece of bad news this week, and intentionally pray that God’s Word would "accomplish its purpose" in that situation, anticipating the day when the curse is reversed and nature rejoices.
Is Mormonism Christian? What does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teach about different Jesus, the gospel, the nature of God, the afterlife, grace, and more? Bill McKeever, founder of Mormonism Research Ministry, is one of the leading experts on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today. He brings a deep understand of LDS theology as well as the history of the church. He joins me to tackle questions many people are asking but often afraid to voice. Join us and let us know what you think!
READ: Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints
by Bill McKeever (https://amzn.to/48txpwG)
VISIT: mrm.org (Mormonism Research Ministry)
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• Reformers or Revolutionaries? Why the Chur...
Part 2: 
