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

In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach continues exploring John Calvin's insights on Christian living from his seminal work, the Institutes of the Christian Religion. Focusing on the themes of cross-bearing and meditation on the future life, he discusses Calvin's theological understanding of how believers should navigate life's challenges and maintain a spiritual perspective, and further un-packs Calvin's nuanced view of suffering, explaining how trials are not punishments but opportunities for spiritual growth, humility, and deeper trust in God.

In this final episode of 2024, Dr. J. Mark Beach continues his exploration of John Calvin's insights on the Christian life and, more particularly, the concept of self-denial. Drawing from Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, Dr. Beach unpacks what it truly means to deny oneself—both in relation to our neighbors and to God. Calvin presents a challenging vision of Christian living: a life marked by humility, love, and a radical reorientation away from self-centeredness. How do we esteem others above ourselves? What does it mean to resign our possessions and will to God's purpose? Dr. Beach guides us through Calvin's theological landscape, offering rich insights into taking up our cross and finding grace in our human frailty.

In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach joins us to unpack John Calvin's insights on the essence of the Christian life from his seminal work, the Institutes of the Christian Religion. Drawing from Book 3, chapters 6-10, Dr. Beach centers on Calvin's thoughts on self-denial, where he'll challenge us to move beyond nominal Christianity to a genuine faith. Calvin's teachings remind us that the Christian life is not about perfection but about continuous surrender, loving righteousness, and conforming ourselves to Christ's image. At the end of the day, we'll learn what it means to truly deny ourselves and live not for our own interests, but for God's glory.

A biographical address concerning Samuel Davies, "Apostle of Virginia" given at the US Presbytery's Fall 2024 Colloquium in Fredericksburg, VA. AI Summary This sermon presents a compelling portrait of Samuel Davies, a pioneering New Light Presbyterian minister whose life and ministry exemplify the centrality of experimental religion—the personal, transformative encounter with Christ—amid a formal, nominal church establishment. Drawing from his early life, marked by a mother's fervent prayers and a divine call to ministry, the sermon highlights Davies' role in the Great Awakening, particularly in Virginia, where he championed the necessity of regeneration, rejected religious formalism, and inspired revival through heartfelt preaching grounded in Scripture and personal holiness. Despite opposition from the Anglican establishment, including smear campaigns and legal challenges, Davies remained steadfast in his mission, prioritizing the gospel over controversy, and was instrumental in founding Hanover Presbytery and advancing evangelicalism in America. His legacy endures not only in the institutions he helped build but in his enduring call to pursue authentic faith, prioritize the preaching of Christ crucified, and labor with urgency for the salvation of souls, urging the church today to seek revival by returning to the vital, soul-transforming work of the Spirit.

In this episode, Dr. Beach continues to explore Book 3 of Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, focusing on a topic that's often misunderstood: The relationship between faith and repentance. Many Christians wonder: Do we need to clean up our act before coming to God? Does our repentance earn us forgiveness? Calvin is helpful here. He provides insights for his time and ours that true repentance isn't a prerequisite for faith but rather its fruit. Join Dr. Beach now as he unpacks Calvin's thoughtful exposition on how the Holy Spirit bonds us to Christ, the nature of genuine repentance, and why this understanding is crucial for grasping the doctrine of justification by faith alone.