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This is a spotlight on the Scriptures  Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 

In full assurance of faith,” or in fullness of faith, has nothing to do with the amount of our faith; it has everything to do with the object of our faith. Real faith always depends on the object of faith. You see, faith can be misplaced—you can put your faith in some individual on earth and be disappointed. Faith is not just believing that there is a God—all that means is that you are not an atheist. 

Not only should you know God and know the way of righteousness, but you should act upon your faith. Real faith means that you have received the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. That has been made very clear to us. In Joh_1:11-12 we read, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power [the authority] to become the sons of God, even to them that [do no more or less than] believe on his name.” Faith in Christ means to receive Christ as Savior.

 Faith is action based on knowledge. God never asks us to take a leap in the dark. I disagree with the theologian who said, “Faith is to leap in the dark.” If this is true, don't leap, because you may find yourself going off a ten–story building! You don't need to leap in the dark, because God has given us knowledge. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom_10:17). God has put down a foundation for our faith. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1Co_3:11). You get on the foundation, friend. That's knowledge, but it is faith that puts you there. Faith is the action that is based on knowledge, which means to trust Christ personally as your Savior.

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” This means that you and I as believers are members of a priesthood. One of the great truths that John Calvin recovered was the priesthood of all believers. Every believer is a priest, and, as such, you can come to God with boldness of speech. So many people ask the preacher to pray for them, which is all right, but we need to remember that all believers have access to God. You have as much right in God's presence as I have, or as anyone else has, because we come by this “newly sacrificed” way that Christ has made for us. It is on that basis that we come to God. So let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 

This is a spotlight on the Scriptures  

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Christ’s death was the price God demanded  to redeem us from slavery to sin. God never skips sin. Someone has to pay the price—either you or an satisfactory substitute. On the cross Jesus said” it is finish” in other words “paid in full. All the requirement, all the conditions,  necessary to pay for our redemption were put up Jesus Christ on the cross. Can I get a amen. 

Background Music “All things well”, by Myron Butler 

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Imagine grappling with profound questions about life's toughest moments and finding solace in theological truths. That's what I experienced as I navigated the complexities of God's sovereignty and human accountability during my grandfather's funeral. This episode unpacks the significant influence of these doctrines, not just as abstract beliefs but as practical guides that shape our understanding and response to challenging life events. With references from the book of Romans, we explore how these teachings impact our everyday lives and faith, providing a roadmap for living in accordance with God's will.

We journey through the profound teachings of the Apostle Paul in Romans, shedding light on how doctrine isn't just about theological concepts but is deeply practical and vital for everyday living. By combining doctrinal truths with practical commands, Paul urges believers to embody the teachings of Jesus Christ. Together, we dive into the responsibility of believers to uphold and defend sound doctrine, showcasing how engagement with differing views can be approached respectfully, as demonstrated through Paul's epistles and interactions.

The episode progresses to explore the doctrine of unconditional election, delving into the TULIP framework and emphasizing the necessity of God's grace in salvation. We confront the paradox of divine judgment and the universal guilt of humanity, highlighting the Apostle Paul's arguments in Romans and Ephesians. To offer hope amidst these weighty discussions, we introduce Colin Smith's book, "For All Who Grieve: Navigating the Valley of Sorrow and Loss," as a source of comfort for those grappling with grief. Discover insights on navigating sorrow with the assurance of Christ's presence, and find encouragement for your spiritual journey.

Each month, Elder Tolliver offers a spiritually encouraging book to help you in your walk with Christ for any size donation. Please go to biblicaltalks.com website to take advantage of this opportunity. 

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Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 

Beloved Peter is urging Christians as Paul did in Ephesians 6:5-9, 

Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him. 

This was often the treatment of slaves in Peter's day. Peter takes the reality of an unrighteous institution in the Roman world and tells believers how to honor  God within it. Whether their masters were gentle or cruel, or good or bad. Christian slaves were to shine the light of Christ by their service and their attitude.  

Now this could result in suffering unjustly. 

Today, we'd say, "Employees, obey your bosses." Many people say it's great to work for a Christian boss, but what if your boss isn't godly? You should obey not only kind and gentle bosses but also those who are harsh or unreasonable,( and we all have had bosses who were mean and sometimes unreasonable ). Listen as long as they don't ask you to do anything illegal dishonest, or unbiblical. Again this could result in suffering unjustly (Ex)

Servants, or (employees)  obey your masters."  Listen, Peter says this is a gracious thing, when mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 

For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure?” “ Peter is reminding them and us, that it is better to do good and suffer for it than to do evil and suffer.  If a slave would steal or lie or become rebellious and refuse to work, his master might take him and give him a real beating. Peter is saying that if you have been crushed for any such fault, and you take it patiently, you have nothing to brag about. The beating was your fault. God is not going to commend you for your patience in a case like that.

Beloved is it, possible that you are having probl

Each month, Elder Tolliver offers a spiritually encouraging book to help you in your walk with Christ for any size donation. Please go to biblicaltalks.com website to take advantage of this opportunity. 

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What happens when we embrace grace as the cornerstone of our spiritual journey? Join us as we uncover the profound teachings of 1 Peter 5:10 and explore the unmatched power of divine grace. This episode promises a deep understanding of how God's grace is not just a concept but a transformative force that offers restoration, comfort, strength, and an unwavering fortress of faith. We discuss the beauty of grace that isn't earned but freely given, guiding believers from the steps of conversion all the way to glorification through Jesus Christ.

You’ll discover how the simple act of starting your day with gratitude for God's unearned blessings can ignite joy and spiritual growth in your life. Through our heartfelt conversation, we encourage you to see the abundance of grace in every part of your life, from the forgiveness of sins to the overlooked daily blessings. Let us inspire you to appreciate the incredible impact of divine grace and recognize it as a gift of God's sovereignty, enveloping your entire spiritual journey from beginning to end. Embrace the transformative power of grace and let it shine a light on your path.

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Have you ever wondered how grace can transform your entire spiritual journey? This episode of our podcast illuminates 1 Peter 5:10, emphasizing the profound and encompassing nature of God’s grace. We unpack the scripture’s promise that after enduring suffering, God will restore, comfort, strengthen, and establish you, showcasing how His grace serves as a protective fortress for believers. By examining how every aspect of our spiritual journey—from calling and conversion to justification, sanctification, and eventual glorification—is achieved through Jesus Christ’s grace, we reveal the depths of God’s boundless mercy and love.

Moreover, we explore how a focus on grace can change your daily perspective, bringing joy and strength into your life. Learn how starting each day with gratitude for God’s undeserved blessings can transform your outlook and spiritual experience. We discuss the spiritual significance of grace, closely tied to Christian virtues and the fruits of the Spirit. By embracing the message that our entire spiritual journey is an act of grace, you will be inspired and uplifted. Tune in to discover the transformative power of God’s grace and how it fortifies and enriches your life from beginning to end.

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What if the concept of free will as we know it is just an illusion? Join me, Michael Tolliver, alongside the insightful R.C. Sproul, as we challenge this deeply entrenched notion, exploring theological and philosophical dimensions. Drawing from the Westminster Confession, our discussion seeks to unveil whether humanity truly has the freedom to choose God and salvation post-fall into sin, which allegedly leaves us spiritually incapacitated. We scrutinize the humanist perspective on free will, questioning the spontaneity of choices that seemingly lack any prior motivations, as illustrated by the crossroads dilemma faced by Alice in Wonderland.

Our exploration doesn't stop there. Ever pondered how a simple decision like choosing a spot on a park bench can mirror your broader life choices? We tackle this and more, dissecting how our internal desires and external forces shape our decisions. With insights from Edwards and Calvin, we dissect the intricate dance between determinism and free will, arguing that every choice, though influenced, is freely made. This episode promises to provoke thought and inspire a fresh perspective on the moral and spiritual implications of free will.

Each month, Elder Tolliver offers a spiritually encouraging book to help you in your walk with Christ for any size donation. Please go to biblicaltalks.com website to take advantage of this opportunity. 

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What if you could unlock an unshakable confidence in the unseen? Join me, Rachel Tolliver Now, on this week's episode of Biblical Talks as we journey through the profound nature of faith, guided by the powerful words of Hebrews 11:1-2. We'll explore the true essence of faith, defined as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, and discuss why this confidence springs from the trustworthiness of its object. With the soothing backdrop of "All Things Well" by Myron Butler, I’ll walk you through why God’s reliability is the cornerstone of our faith, and how you can nurture this trust to see God's promises come to fruition in your life.

In this soul-stirring episode, we’ll confront the pivotal question: Is God trustworthy? Spoiler alert—an emphatic yes! Through rich scriptural insights and my own personal reflections, you'll gain a deeper understanding of what it means to have faith when there is no visible proof, and why God's steadfastness makes this faith not just possible, but powerful. Prepare to have your spirit uplifted and your faith fortified as we explore how to confidently rely on God's unwavering promises to guide you through life's uncertainties. Tune in and let’s strengthen our faith together.

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What does it mean to stand firm in faith when facing relentless persecution? We invite you to explore this question with us as we share the gripping stories of two resilient brothers, David and Joshua, who remain unwavering in their Christian ministry amidst the oppressive landscape of Cuba. David recounts the heart-wrenching journey that forced him to leave his homeland due to intense government pressure, including the chilling demand to betray his own family. Meanwhile, Joshua continues his brave mission on the island, confronting daily threats and harassment with innovative approaches like sports ministry to engage and inspire the next generation.

Throughout this enlightening episode, Joshua offers a candid look at the evolving dynamics between the Cuban church and government, exposing the harsh realities faced by those who dare to defy the odds. His testimony of perseverance is a poignant reminder of the power of faith in the face of adversity. We delve into the critical role of the church in extending its reach beyond the confines of its walls, urging believers to take action in supporting their persecuted brethren. Join us in praying for strength and safety, and discover ways to contribute to this important cause by exploring resources on the Voice of the Martyrs website.

Each month, Elder Tolliver offers a spiritually encouraging book to help you in your walk with Christ for any size donation. Please go to biblicaltalks.com website to take advantage of this opportunity. 

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What if living as exiles, rather than seeking dominance, is the true path to transformative influence? Join us in this thought-provoking episode of Biblical Talks as we uncover the profound insights from 1 Peter 2:11-17, exploring the identity we hold as followers of Christ—a chosen people, a royal priesthood. Together with Pastor Kevin Smith, we discuss how early Christians made a remarkable impact on the Roman Empire not through force, but by offering a compelling alternative to worldly systems. We'll explore modern examples, like the work of John Perkins and Hope for the Inner City, to illustrate the power of seeking community welfare and spreading God's peace.

In a world rife with distractions, we tackle the delicate balance between embracing our spiritual identity and resisting worldly temptations. Consider the metaphor of 1,000 paper cuts—minor sins that accumulate and harm the soul. This episode likens following God's guidance to a strategic football game, where God the Father is the team owner, Jesus the coach, and the Holy Spirit the personal trainer. We emphasize the importance of adhering to this divine "playbook," sidestepping Babylon's deceptive narratives, and embracing a life of victorious faith.

As we wrap up, we highlight the interplay between divine grace and personal effort in living a holy life, using sports parallels to illustrate the importance of studying and internalizing spiritual teachings. Insights from figures like Peter and Paul serve as reminders to abstain from sinful desires while embracing righteous living. We also introduce Colin Smith's comforting book "For All Who Grieve," shedding light on navigating grief through biblical themes. With Christ as our companion in sorrow, we find hope amidst loss. Tune in to discover how you can align your actions with your faith and transform your life's journey.

Each month, Elder Tolliver offers a spiritually encouraging book to help you in your walk with Christ for any size donation. Please go to biblicaltalks.com website to take advantage of this opportunity. 

Support the show

Have a blessed day, and thanks for listening! Visit my website to learn more at https://www.biblicaltalks.com