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In this lesson, we begin tracing the historical road of Calvinism. Rather than debating doctrines right away, this lesson steps back to examine where the system came from, the world that shaped it, and the pressures that molded its theology. We look at the Reformation climate, the rise of John Calvin, the role of Geneva, and the publication of The Institutes of the Christian Religion in 1536. This session makes clear that Calvinism did not fall from heaven fully formed, but developed within a specific historical and political context. Understanding that road matters, because Scripture warns believers not to be ignorant of the enemy's devices. By studying the origins of Calvinism honestly and carefully, we remove the mystery, expose the framework behind the system, and prepare ourselves to test every doctrine by the Word of God rather than tradition or reputation.

The sermon traces the progressive restoration of God's kingdom through history, focusing on the Old Covenant's attempt to establish a 'one chosen nation' model centered on Israel as a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, and a treasured possession—symbolizing God's authority in family, true religion, and civil government. Though these institutions were designed as 'kingdom placeholders' to reflect divine order, the narrative reveals their profound failures: Abraham's deception, Moses' neglect of covenant obedience, and David's familial breakdown; the golden calf incident and Solomon's idolatry; and the people's rejection of God as king in favor of flawed human rulers. Rather than concealing these failures, Scripture highlights them to expose humanity's deep deviation from God's standards, to underscore the need for a superior, divine solution, and to prepare the world for the coming Messianic King—Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's one-man plan and the true embodiment of His kingdom authority.

The sermon presents the kingdom of God as an eternal reality, eternally established by an eternal King, yet profoundly disrupted in human experience by the fall of Adam and Satan. Despite this disruption, God has been actively fulfilling an eternal purpose through history, culminating in the incarnation of Christ at the 'fullness of time.' To sustain order and preserve a measure of divine authority in a fallen world, God instituted three temporary 'kingdom placeholders': the family, civil government, and true religion. These are not ultimate realities but divinely appointed, delegated expressions of God's authority that sustain human society until Christ's return. Though these institutions can be corrupted—evident in history's violence, tyranny, and false religion—they remain essential, God-ordained means through which humanity experiences His rule. The ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom will come when Christ returns, dissolving all temporary structures and establishing God as 'all in all,' rendering the placeholders obsolete as the eternal reality is fully realized.

The episode presents a sobering assessment of contemporary cultural, political, and ecclesiastical crises through a biblical lens, emphasizing the increasing violence, moral decay, and spiritual confusion as signs of the end times. It critiques the blending of Christianity with worldly ideologies, including the ecumenical tendencies of certain conservative movements, the manipulation of mass evangelism through emotional spectacle, and the widespread acceptance of false doctrines such as religious pluralism among self-identified evangelicals. Drawing from Scripture, particularly 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 and the principle of separation from ungodly alliances, the preacher calls for a return to biblical holiness, truthful proclamation of the gospel, and discernment in both personal conduct and institutional partnerships. While acknowledging God's ongoing work in salvation and revival, the message urges believers to remain vigilant, grounded in Scripture, and committed to authentic faith rather than cultural compromise or performative spirituality. It delivers a prophetic warning about the moral and spiritual decline of the modern world, identifying mass violence, political militarization, and compromised evangelicalism as signs of the end times. It calls for biblical separation from false religions and worldly alliances, rejecting both emotional manipulation in evangelism and the ecumenical blending of Christianity with secular ideologies. Rooted in Scripture, especially the command to be 'not unequally yoked' with unbelievers, the message emphasizes the necessity of doctrinal purity, faithful preaching, and personal holiness.

(1) Israel at War 9-14-2025. No changes except Hamas leadership being KILLED. Meanwhile, the Temple Institute prepares for the building of the Third Temple complete with Red Heifers and the Levitical Choir! But at this time Jews and Christians are arrested and harassed on the Temple Mount. All of this sets the stage for end time prophecy! (2) The United Kingdom's elite and governing class are traitors in bed with the Islamo-Marxist DEATH CULT but there is a growing uprising against it. (3) We provide info about the Charlie Kirk assassination and the Democrat Islamo-Marxist DEATH CULT celebration of his murder. This death cult will be the END of our Republic either before OR after the Rapture. https://bbfohio.com

The word Christian, while meaning many things to many people in our modern world, has one essential meaning: "to be in union with Christ." The apostle Paul repeatedly uses the term "in Christ" in the introductions to his letters to the Romans, Thessalonians, Colossians, Philippians, and Ephesians, where the doctrine of union with Christ is plainly evident. These greetings highlight the truth of Christ's incarnation and His indwelling presence in believers. John Calvin captures this, stating, "We do not, therefore, contemplate him outside ourselves from afar in order that his righteousness may be imputed to us but because we put on Christ and are engrafted into his body—in short, because he deigns to make us one with him" (Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book III, Chapter 2, Section 24). In the reality of union with Christ, we find the external work of His incarnation. This work is applied internally to us through the Holy Spirit, what we have termed "one-inness in Christ," the center of our salvation and sanctification. The New Testament provides four metaphors to understand this mystery: marriage, the body, the temple, and the building. In our modern day, Louis Berkhof has perhaps phrased it best: "That intimate, vital, and spiritual union between Christ and His people, in virtue of which He is the source of their life and strength, of their blessedness and salvation" (Systematic Theology, Louis Berkhof).

This Sunday, Nathan will be starting a new Bible institute course called "Truth in a World of False Religion." This class will aim to give students a framework for evaluating false belief systems according to the Bible.

The sermon confronts the dangerous illusion that church attendance equates to genuine salvation, drawing from Jeremiah 7:1–8 to expose the hypocrisy of those who trust in ritualistic religious activity while living in unrepentant sin. It emphasizes that true Christianity is not defined by external religious practices or institutional affiliation, but by a transformative, personal encounter with Christ through repentance and faith, rooted in God's sovereign grace and not human effort. The preacher warns that many who identify as Christians are merely religious hypocrites—professing faith without a changed heart, mistaking outward piety for inward renewal—and cites Jesus' judgment on the Pharisees and the final day's declaration, 'I never knew you,' to underscore the peril of false assurance. While affirming the church's vital role as a community of believers, the message insists that salvation is not earned by going to church, but received by grace through faith in Christ alone, calling all to examine their hearts and repent, for only in Christ is there true cleansing and eternal life.

Please listen carefully to this plea for repentance and renewal into the New Testament vision for the church as the body of Christ. Throughout the history of the people of God, there has occurred horrible and appaling seasons. We are in such a season today. The institutional church system which began 1700 years ago, has remade the church in its own image and for the benefit and personal interests of false prophets and priests. And most Christians are okay with it!!

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 02-28-2025) 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 a future show. Topics Include: Caller asks About Punishment being Instituted for "Legal Abortions."/ Which Bible is Good for Studying?/ Is There an Exception for Having Women Pastors?/Is God's Temporary Punishment a Possibility?/Caller Wants Matt's Wife to Speak on the Radio/ Did Various Bible Translations Change Original Meanings?/ What Happened When Noah Got Drunk?/ Matt Discusses How Bible Translations are Made From Manuscripts/ What is "The Living Bible?"/ When is The Soul Created?/If an Unborn Person Dies, do They go To Heaven?/ A Caller Asks about Roman Catholic and Liberal Family Members/ Matt Gives an Update On The National Religious Broadcasters Convention/ February 28, 2025