Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary

By Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological SeminaryReligion & SpiritualitySpirituality
Download on the App Store

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary episodes

  • Reasonable, Not Radical / Dr. Dennis Wilkening

    Dr. Dennis Wilkening encourages young people to commit their lives to God’s service, emphasizing that such dedication is a reasonable response to God’s mercy rather than an extreme sacrifice. Using historical and biblical examples, he calls believers to make a daily choice to follow God’s will by taking the "next right step," rather than planning out a grand life plan.


    Scripture Passage
    Romans 12:1-2


    Main Points or Ideas

    1. Reasonable Service: Serving God wholeheartedly is a reasonable, not radical, response to His mercy and sacrifice, which calls believers to present themselves as "living sacrifices" in service.
    2. Sacrifice as Worship: True worship involves giving what we love most to God, acknowledging that love naturally includes sacrifice, as exemplified by Abraham's offering of Isaac.
    3. Possessions and Priorities: Modern affluence can obstruct young people's willingness to follow God’s call, as they prioritize material comforts over spiritual commitments.
    4. Seeking Godly Counsel: Choosing the right path often involves discerning godly advice and resisting counsel that discourages sacrificial service to the Lord.
    5. Responding to God’s Call: Believers are encouraged to “volunteer” for service, trusting that God will provide guidance and direction as they take each next step.


      6. Conclusion
      Dr. Wilkening concludes by urging the congregation, particularly young people, to view a life of service as a “reasonable” and fulfilling response to God’s mercy. He calls on them to let go of fears or distractions, such as materialism and ungodly counsel, that might hold them back from following God’s leading. By taking the next right step, they can experience the true joy and purpose found in committing their lives to Christ.

      30 min
    6. Understanding and Practicing Prayer / Dr. Jim Tillotson

      Dr. Jim Tillotson focuses on the transformative power of prayer and its integral role in believers' lives. He emphasizes the biblical foundation for prayer from James 5:16 and encourages students to approach prayer with authenticity, righteousness, and intentionality. Through a practical outline of prayer, including confession, praise, thanksgiving, intercession, and petition, Dr. Tillotson guides the community in both individual and group prayer exercises to deepen their spiritual connection and care for each other.


      Scripture Passage
      James 5:16


      Main Points or Ideas

      1. The Power of Prayer – Prayer has the ability to change circumstances when approached in righteousness and fervency. Dr. Tillotson shares examples from Scripture of God responding to heartfelt, righteous prayer.

      2. Five Aspects of Prayer – He outlines a structured approach to prayer:

        • Confession – Acknowledging and repenting of specific sins in response to God’s holiness.
        • Praise – Honoring God’s greatness, power, and love.
        • Thanksgiving – Expressing gratitude for God’s goodness and grace.
        • Intercession – Praying for others, especially those facing trials, including classmates and the college community.
        • Petition – Presenting personal requests to God with specificity and trust.

        • Praying for the Needs of Others – Dr. Tillotson encourages students to support one another, especially in times of loss and hardship, and to remember specific people and needs within the community.

        • The Impact of a Righteous Life on Prayer – He stresses the importance of living a righteous life to enhance the effectiveness of prayer, drawing from the context of James 5:16.


          • Conclusion
          Dr. Tillotson concludes by leading the college in communal and personal prayer, encouraging each participant to approach God with sincerity. He reminds them that prayer is a daily practice, not just an event, and that God is faithful to forgive and empower those who humbly seek Him. As the congregation prays for each other, he calls them to rely on God’s mercy, experience spiritual growth, and embody the love and support of Christ in their relationships.

          22 min
        • A Playlist for Life / Lance Augsburger

          Pastor Lance Augsburger explores Psalm 91, focusing on the believer's safety found not in the absence of trouble but in faith in God's presence. Through vivid imagery and practical applications, he emphasizes the trustworthiness, protection, and relational care of God, urging believers to take refuge in His shadow and find peace amidst life's uncertainties.


          Scripture Text(s)

          Psalm 91


          Main Points or Ideas

          1. God Delivers Those Who Take Refuge in Him (Verses 1–8)

            • God is depicted as a sheltering presence, likened to a mighty bird protecting its young under its wings.
            • His truth and faithfulness serve as a shield for believers, allowing them to live without fear even in the face of danger, disease, or destruction.
            • Deliverance doesn’t mean the absence of trials but God's sovereign control over every event in our lives.

          2. God Protects Those Who Abide With Him (Verses 9–13)

            • Abiding in God provides safety and protection from harm, underscoring the believer’s trust in His control.
            • Angels are mentioned as God’s instruments of care, illustrating the unseen realm where His protection operates.
            • Jesus modeled ultimate trust in God during His temptation, demonstrating how believers should rely on God’s promises rather than testing Him.

          3. God Promises Salvation to Those Who Love Him (Verses 14–16)

            • The psalm transitions to God speaking directly, offering rich promises of protection, deliverance, and satisfaction in a relationship with Him.
            • The relational aspect of God’s care is emphasized; He delivers and exalts those who trust Him.
            • These promises are ultimately fulfilled in Christ and extend to all believers, assuring them of eternal safety in Him.


          Conclusion

          Safety in life’s challenges is not found in avoiding difficulties but in resting under the shadow of El Shaddai. Believers are invited to meditate on God’s promises, find refuge in His presence, and trust in His unchanging faithfulness.

          32 min
        • What If You Were the Only Christian in Your City / Dr. Mike Stallard

          Dr. Mike Stallard examines Paul's bold witness at Mars Hill, as recorded in Acts 17. Highlighting Paul's mindset, ministry, and message, Dr. Stallard challenges believers to stand firm for Christ even when isolated in their faith. He emphasizes the core elements of the gospel, including creation, repentance, judgment, and resurrection, while encouraging listeners to remain faithful regardless of the response they encounter.


          Scripture Passage

          Acts 17:16–34


          Main Points or Ideas

          1. Paul's Mindset:

            • Paul's spirit was provoked by the idolatry he observed in Athens.
            • A deep distaste for sin is essential to motivate boldness in sharing the gospel.

            • Paul's Ministry:

              • He spoke with everyone: Jews, God-fearing Gentiles, philosophers, and those in the marketplace.
              • His engagement with the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers demonstrated his willingness to meet people where they were.

              • Paul's Message:

                • Creation: God is the Creator of all things and does not dwell in man-made temples.
                • Repentance: All people are called to turn from idols to the one true God.
                • Judgment: God has fixed a day to judge the world through Christ, according to His perfect standard of righteousness.
                • Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of His authority and the cornerstone of our faith.

                • The Response to the Gospel:

                  • Reactions varied: some sneered, others wanted to hear more, and some believed, including prominent individuals like Dionysius the Areopagite.


                    • Conclusion

                    Believers need to stand boldly for Christ, even when alone or facing rejection. Salvation is not by merit but by grace through faith in the risen Savior.

                    28 min
                  • Why Go to a Bible College? / Dr. Les Ollila

                    Dr. Les Ollila explores the foundational reasons for pursuing a biblical worldview through the lens of Genesis. He highlights the importance of reflecting God's character, embracing responsibility, and understanding the protective nature of God's authority. By grounding life in God's absolutes, believers can counter the chaos of a fallen world and prepare to serve as faithful leaders in a society that desperately needs the light of Christ.

                    Scripture Text(s)
                    Genesis 1:26-27; 2:15-17; 3:1-7


                    Main Points or Ideas

                    1. Reflecting God's Character:

                      • Humanity was created in God’s image to reflect His communicable attributes such as love, holiness, and joy.
                      • Our purpose is to mirror His nature and bring glory to Him through our lives.

                      • Embracing Responsibility:

                        • Man was tasked to "dress" and "keep" the garden, demonstrating the biblical work ethic of diligence and stewardship.
                        • Responsibility reflects God's character and builds discipline, preparing individuals to lead effectively.

                        • Understanding God's Authority and Restrictions:

                          • God's commands, such as the prohibition regarding the tree of knowledge, serve to test obedience and offer protection.
                          • Disobedience leads to three types of death: spiritual, physical, and eternal, underscoring the need for redemption.

                          • The Devastating Consequences of Sin:

                            • Sin disrupted God's original intent, leading to rebellion against authority, hardened attitudes, and societal agitation.
                            • The fall introduced broken relationships and chaos into the world, which only God's redemption can heal.

                            • Anchoring in a Biblical Worldview:

                              • In a culture of relativism, believers must cling to the absolutes of God's Word.
                              • A biblical education equips students to stand firm as salt and light in a decaying, dark world.


                                • Conclusion

                                Dr. Ollila challenges students to cherish their opportunity to grow spiritually at a Bible college. By anchoring their lives in God’s unchanging truth and embracing their roles as responsible stewards, they can effectively lead and minister in a broken world. He exhorts students to cling to Scripture, develop a biblical worldview, and passionately pursue youth ministry to impact future generations.

                                28 min
                              • A Bondservant / Dr. Jim Tillotson

                                Dr. Jim Tillotson explores the opening verses of the Book of Titus, focusing on what it means to live as a bondservant of God. He highlights the importance of evangelism, commitment to truth, and the pursuit of godliness. Through powerful illustrations and practical applications, Dr. Tillotson challenges believers to live lives that reflect their faith inwardly and outwardly, standing firm in a world increasingly resistant to biblical truth.


                                Scripture Text:
                                Titus 1:1-4


                                Main Points or Ideas:

                                1. A Bondservant’s Identity

                                  • A Christian’s primary identity is as a bondservant or slave to Christ.
                                  • This involves total submission to God’s authority and ownership of our lives.

                                  • Evangelistic Passion

                                    • Paul’s example reminds believers to prioritize sharing the gospel.
                                    • Personal stories highlight the eternal impact of living out and sharing our faith.

                                    • The Importance of Truth

                                      • Truth is foundational and non-negotiable in the Christian life.
                                      • True faith produces godliness; beliefs must influence behavior.

                                      • Godliness Defined

                                        • Godliness is being like God, reflecting His character in daily life.
                                        • It is not about external rules but the inward life of Christ manifested outwardly.


                                          • Conclusion:
                                          Christians are called to live as bondservants of God, fully submitting to His authority and reflecting His character through their lives. Evangelism, adherence to biblical truth, and the pursuit of godliness are essential components of this calling. Ultimately, godliness is not about following rules but about embodying the life of Christ to glorify God.

                                          33 min
                                        • Counting the Cost (FaithFest 2024) / Dr. Pat Odle

                                          In this message, Dr. Pat Odle challenges listeners to reflect on what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. He discusses the cost of discipleship, highlighting three essential conditions: an unrivaled love for Christ, a willingness to suffer for Him, and unconditional surrender to His will.


                                          Scripture Text
                                          Luke 14:25-33


                                          Main Points or Ideas

                                          1. Unrivaled Love for Jesus
                                          2. Unusual Suffering for Jesus
                                          3. Unconditional Surrender to Christ


                                            4. Conclusion
                                            Jesus is clear: true discipleship comes at a cost. Are you willing to love Jesus above all else, suffer for Him, and surrender everything to follow Him?

                                            32 min
                                          4. Responding to the Law (FaithFest 2024) / Dr. Pat Odle

                                            Dr. Pat Odle delivers a compelling message to young people on the purpose of God's law, emphasizing its role in revealing sin and pointing us to Christ. Using Romans 3:19–20, he explains how the law stops our mouths, shows our guilt, shreds our works, and sheds light on our sin, ultimately leading us to Jesus Christ as our rescuer.


                                            Scripture Passage
                                            Romans 3:19–20


                                            Main Points or Ideas

                                            1. The Law Stops Our Mouths
                                              The law silences all excuses before God, showing that no one can claim innocence in His presence.

                                            2. The Law Shows Our Guilt
                                              God's law highlights our sinfulness, proving that we are all guilty of breaking His commands.

                                            3. The Law Shreds Our Works
                                              No amount of good deeds can justify us before God; salvation is not earned by human effort but through Christ.

                                            4. The Law Sheds Light on Our Sin
                                              The law acts as a tutor, leading us to recognize our need for Jesus Christ, who alone can rescue us from sin's eternal consequences.


                                              5. Conclusion
                                              Dr. Odle concludes by urging listeners to examine their spiritual condition and turn to Jesus Christ as their rescuer. He underscores the futility of self-righteousness and the necessity of repentance and faith in Christ for eternal life. The message is a clear call to trust in Jesus, who bore the punishment for sin and offers salvation to all who believe.

                                              29 min
                                            5. Eternal Relevance / Dr. Pat Odle

                                              Dr. Pat Odle explores the story of Ananias in Acts 9 and how his response to God's call exemplifies availability, faith, and obedience.

                                              Highlighting historical examples, such as Guy McLean and William Haas, Dr. Odle emphasizes how God uses ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary things for His glory.


                                              Scripture Text
                                              Acts 9:10-14


                                              Main Points or Ideas

                                              1. The Person of Ananias

                                                • Ananias exemplified availability to God's calling.
                                                • God often uses ordinary people to fulfill extraordinary purposes.
                                                • Story of Guy McLean demonstrates how availability can lead to impactful ministry.

                                                • The Plan of God

                                                  • God's plans are specific, purposeful, and often interrupt our own.
                                                  • Ananias was called to meet Saul, a man notorious for persecuting Christians.
                                                  • God's plans may be unexpected but are infinitely better than our own.

                                                  • The Problem for Ananias

                                                    • Ananias struggled with fear due to Saul's reputation and his mission to harm Christians.
                                                    • God's call often requires overcoming fear and trusting His sovereign purpose.


                                                      • Conclusion
                                                      God calls believers to surrender their plans and make themselves available for His work. Like Ananias, Guy McLean, and William Haas, we may not feel extraordinary, but God delights in using ordinary people for His extraordinary purposes.

                                                      Are you willing to say yes to God's plans, trusting Him to accomplish His will through your life?

                                                      35 min
                                                    • Following the Shepherd / Dr. Jason Ormiston

                                                      Dr. Jason Ormiston takes us through Psalm 23, focusing on the comfort and restoration we can find in our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. He explores how God provides peace in the midst of trials, emphasizes the importance of spiritual disciplines, and encourages believers to rest in the faithfulness of God's promises.


                                                      Scripture Text

                                                      Psalm 23


                                                      Main Points or Ideas

                                                      1. Spiritual Disciplines: Maintaining spiritual practices like Bible reading, prayer, and integrity is vital for staying grounded during trials.
                                                      2. God's Provision in Adversity: Even in the valley of death, God's presence provides peace and security. Trusting in God’s promises helps us endure life's difficulties.
                                                      3. The Shadow of Death: Death is a reality we must face, but through Christ, death is not something to fear. The shadow of death cannot harm us.
                                                      4. Confidence in God's Faithfulness: God prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies, offering comfort and confidence even amid life's battles.
                                                      5. Devotional Connection to the Trinity: Embrace God as your Shepherd (Jehovah-Ra), Provider (Jehovah-Jireh), Healer (Jehovah-Rapha), Righteousness (Jehovah-Tsidkenu), Peace (Jehovah-Shalom), and Banner. Through Christ and the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to trust in God's eternal goodness.


                                                        6. Conclusion

                                                        Psalm 23 offers a rich tapestry of God's faithfulness, peace, and provision. In times of trouble and uncertainty, we can rely on the character of God—our Shepherd, Provider, Healer, and Peace. As believers, our hope and security are found in the steadfast love and mercy of God, which follow us all our days, leading us into eternal restoration. Let us pray through these truths and rest in the sufficiency of God’s grace for today and forever.

                                                        34 min

                                                      About Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary

                                                      From the publisher's feed

                                                      Faith Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary is a school dedicated to equipping men and women to take the Word to the World.