CALVINISTIC on SermonAudio

The sermon argues against the Calvinist doctrine of total depravity by examining the role of the human conscience and the Holy Spirit in convicting individuals of sin. It outlines five distinct states of conscience—evil, seared, pure, weak, and good—to illustrate how moral awareness functions and evolves through spiritual maturity. Pastor Friesen emphasizes that the Holy Spirit actively works to reveal righteousness and judgment to all people, thereby validating the human capacity to choose faith. By contrasting these biblical principles with Calvinist interpretations, the text asserts that God's universal offer of salvation is sincere and accessible to everyone. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to cultivate a good conscience through scriptural knowledge and humility rather than relying on inherent depravity.

In this lesson we look at the Arminian vs. Calvinist divide between Wesley and Whitefield, and we look at the spiritual background of the American colonies prior to the awakening.

The sermon refutes the Calvinistic doctrine of total depravity by arguing that God actively draws all people to Himself through common grace rather than irresistible force. It identifies creation, conscience, and the light given to every man as universal means by which God reveals truth and invites response. Pastor Friesen emphasizes that while humanity is fallen, individuals retain the moral ability to accept or reject the gospel invitation extended through special revelation. By examining passages such as John 6 and Romans 1, the text asserts that rejection of this light leads to a reprobate mind, not an inherent inability to believe. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to participate in God's courtship of the lost by sharing the gospel, affirming that salvation is available to whosoever wills to receive it.

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 07/13/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: [email protected], Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in future show. Topics Include: Mormons view of the Trinity/ Mormons definition of God/ How Calvinists defend the faith/ Struggles, Sin, and the Christian Life/ Antinomianism and morality/ God's Sovereignty and man's Free Will/ July 13, 2026

The sermon centers on John 3:16-21, emphasizing God's sacrificial love as the foundation for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It contrasts the spiritual darkness of sin with the illuminating power of Christ, arguing that humanity naturally prefers darkness due to evil deeds but is offered a cure through divine grace. The preacher critiques Calvinist theology by affirming universal availability of salvation and stresses that genuine belief results in immediate eternal life and a transformed lifestyle. Believers are urged to recognize their past sinfulness, remain confident in their secure salvation, and actively walk in the light by witnessing to others. Ultimately, the message calls both the lost and the saved to embrace Christ as Savior and live faithfully in His truth.

The sermon warns against the rising influence of New Calvinism, identifying it as a dangerous theological shift that infiltrates evangelical churches through social media and cultural relevance. It critiques core Calvinist doctrines such as unconditional election and limited atonement, arguing they contradict biblical teachings on God's love and human responsibility. Pastor Friesen emphasizes the necessity of eternal security based on God's promise rather than human performance and advocates for strict separation from worldly culture. Key figures like John Piper and Mark Driscoll are cited as promoters of this movement, which undermines traditional Baptist distinctives. Believers are urged to remain vigilant against these errors by holding firmly to verbal inspiration and the King James Bible.

This sermon examines the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to expose the danger of self-righteousness and the necessity of humble reliance on God's grace. The preacher contrasts the Pharisee's pride in his religious observance with the tax collector's desperate plea for mercy through the atoning blood of Christ. Key theological themes include total depravity, justification by faith alone, and the deceitfulness of the human heart that often leads believers to trust in their own deeds rather than Christ's sacrifice. The tone is convicting yet pastoral, urging listeners to recognize their inherent sinfulness and flee to Jesus for salvation. Ultimately, true orthodoxy must produce tenderness and compassion for others, rooted in a deep awareness of one's own unworthiness apart from divine grace.

Acts 13:48 — Every doctrine gets built like a Jenga tower — stack enough man-made pieces on a good foundation and eventually the whole thing topples. Time to check Irresistible Grace against the foundation itself: God's Word. This topical Bible message examines "Irresistible Grace" — the "I" in the Calvinist TULIP doctrine — and asks whether Scripture actually teaches an inward, effectual call that cannot be resisted, or whether God offers grace to all mankind and gives every person a real choice to respond by faith. This study on Calvinism and free will walks through Isaiah 46 and 55, Jeremiah 32, and five chapters of Acts to see the actual pattern of salvation in the early church. If you've ever been told you have no free will in salvation — or told that you do — this message won't ask you to trust a theological system. It asks you to trust the text. This verse-by-verse look at conversion in Acts traces the pattern from Pentecost (Acts 2) through the healing at the temple gate (Acts 3-4), Saul's conversion on the Damascus road (Acts 9), the Philippian jailer (Acts 16), and finally Acts 13:48 itself — including a look at how the NIV's "appointed" differs from the KJV's "ordained," and why that distinction matters. This message walks through Isaiah 46, Isaiah 55, Jeremiah 32, and Acts 2-16, explaining: - Why theological systems are dangerous to build on top of each other like a Jenga tower - What Isaiah 55:8-11 teaches about God's word never returning void - Jeremiah 32:35 and what it means that something "never came into God's mind" - The pattern of salvation at Pentecost (Acts 2) - The healing of the lame man and its evangelistic purpose (Acts 3-4)

The sermon explores the biblical concept of freedom, emphasizing that humans possess genuine free will contrary to Calvinist doctrines of irresistible grace. It argues that true liberty is found in obedience to God's laws, which protect believers from the bondage of sin and death. The preacher warns against abusing Christian liberty by indulging the flesh or becoming a stumbling block to weaker brethren. Ultimately, the message calls listeners to choose whom they will serve, affirming that Christ alone provides authentic deliverance from spiritual slavery.

MarsCast is back, and we're returning from our July hiatus with an episode worth the wait. Everyone's got a Calvin quote ready to fire, but whose Calvin are they actually quoting? The Calvinist Calvin? The internet meme Calvin? The cold, predestination-obsessed villain who invented a God without compassion? Dr. Cornelis Venema, President Emeritus at Mid-America Reformed Seminary and one of the most careful Calvin scholars working today, joins host Jared Luttjeboer to launch a four-part series stripping away the caricatures and returning to the sources. Before you can know what Calvin said, you have to reckon with how badly we've misread him, and Dr. Venema is exactly the right person to help us do that.