Understanding Christianity

In this episode, Dr. Sean Cole presents the two historical views of the identity of the Nephilim and argues for the Reformed interpretation of Genesis 6:1-4.

Genesis Chapter Six has sparked some of the most contested and controversial interpretations concerning the identity of the Nephilim. Were these “mighty men” in fact giants? Were they the offspring of fallen angels who procreated with human women? How do we understand this very difficult passage of Scripture?

There are two predominant views on this, and history has split right down the middle on which side to take.

The first is the historic Reformed view, held by Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Matthew Henry, Bavinck, Berkhof, and R. C. Sproul.

The first view holds that the sons of God are those in the lineage of Seth, the godly line that intermarried with the ungodly line of Cain. Intermarriage between the Israelites and pagans was strictly prohibited by God throughout the Old Testament. So this view holds that Seth’s line—the godly line—did the unthinkable, and instead of marrying within the godly line of Seth, they went outside it and found the daughters of Cain attractive and took them as their wives.

The second view was held by the early church fathers, who were influenced by the Book of Enoch and Second Temple Judaism. In addition, many within Dispensationalism hold this view.

The Book of Enoch (particularly 1 Enoch 6–16) interprets the “sons of God” as angels (the Watchers) who married women and fathered giant offspring (200 BC-100 AD).

According to this understanding of Genesis 6, the sons of God are fallen angels who come to earth, have sexual relationships with human women, and produce an ungodly, demonic offspring called the Nephilim.

Sean has released a new book on prayer called 30 Days of Praying the Scriptures, and you can purchase it here:

https://bit.ly/49XaYQN

Sean has published three other books:

Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk

You can purchase it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1

https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk

You can purchase Sean’s two books here:

40 Days in Philippians: Finding Joy in Jesus:   https://g3min.org/shop/books/g3press/40-days-in-philippians-finding-joy-in-jesus-sean-cole/

Your Identity in the Trinity: Discovering God’s Grace in the Gospel:  https://rb.gy/yoa223

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You hear non-Christians using this phrase all the time: "Don’t be judgmental. Don’t judge. You have no right to judge what I’m doing." You’ve probably met someone who has told you that the reason they don’t come to church or that they are not a Christian is because they think Christians are judgmental. We are hypocritical. We are intolerant and unaccepting of other views. This puts us in a tough spot because nobody wants to come off as judgmental, intolerant, or hypocritical.

We who are Bible-believing Christians who want to remain faithful to Jesus and yet love our neighbors, HOW do we share the gospel and live the Christian life without coming across as jerks or intolerant or hateful bigots who are judgmental?

Jesus’ words here in Matthew 7:1-6 have been misunderstood and misapplied, so we need to understand exactly what He’s commanding us to do.

Dr. Sean Cole preaches four truths from this passage.

Sean has released a new book on prayer called 30 Days of Praying the Scriptures, and you can purchase it here:

https://bit.ly/49XaYQN

Sean has published three other books:

Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk

You can purchase it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1

https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk

You can purchase Sean’s two books here:

40 Days in Philippians: Finding Joy in Jesus:   https://g3min.org/shop/books/g3press/40-days-in-philippians-finding-joy-in-jesus-sean-cole/

Your Identity in the Trinity: Discovering God’s Grace in the Gospel:  https://rb.gy/yoa223

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www.seancole.net

FOLLOW on:

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Since God, instead of money, is your master, you should never be anxious. It’s, in fact, disobedient to you, Master, to be anxious about what He will provide for all your needs. Jesus gets right at the heart of anxiety, which is a natural response when we struggle with finances, or we struggle to make ends meet. In fact, the word “anxious” appears SIX times in this passage.

Here is the main point or big idea of this text: The greatest cure for anxiety is to seek God's reign and righteousness above all else.

Sean has released a new book on prayer called 30 Days of Praying the Scriptures, and you can purchase it here:

https://bit.ly/49XaYQN

Sean has published three other books:

Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk

You can purchase it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1

https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk

You can purchase Sean’s two books here:

40 Days in Philippians: Finding Joy in Jesus:   https://g3min.org/shop/books/g3press/40-days-in-philippians-finding-joy-in-jesus-sean-cole/

Your Identity in the Trinity: Discovering God’s Grace in the Gospel:  https://rb.gy/yoa223

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.seancole.net

FOLLOW on:

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First, fasting is often neglected as a regular practice for spiritual growth. Second, fasting is not mandated as a regular practice for spiritual growth.

Since fasting is not practiced very often by evangelical Christians, and there may be some confusion or questions about this topic, Dr. Sean Cole answers FOUR questions to help us grow in our understanding of fasting.

Question One: What is a fast? 

Question Two: What are the types of fasts?

Question Three: What are the wrong ways to fast?

Question Four: What are the proper purposes for Biblical fasting?

Sean has released a new book on prayer called 30 Days of Praying the Scriptures, and you can purchase it here:

https://bit.ly/49XaYQN

Sean has published three other books:

Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk

You can purchase it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1

https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk

You can purchase Sean’s two books here:

40 Days in Philippians: Finding Joy in Jesus:   https://g3min.org/shop/books/g3press/40-days-in-philippians-finding-joy-in-jesus-sean-cole/

Your Identity in the Trinity: Discovering God’s Grace in the Gospel:  https://rb.gy/yoa223

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.seancole.net

FOLLOW on:

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/understanding-christianity/id979729949

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In this sermon, Dr. Sean Cole preaches the first three petitions in the Lord's Prayer.

Here’s the main focus of the first three requests: Our prayers must be thoroughly God-centered instead of self-centered.

Request Number One: We passionately ask that Your name be hallowed!

Request Number Two: We passionately ask that Your kingdom come!

Request Number Three: We passionately ask that Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven!

Sean has released a new book on prayer called 30 Days of Praying the Scriptures, and you can purchase it here:

https://bit.ly/49XaYQN

Sean has published three other books:

Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk

You can purchase it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1

https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk

You can purchase Sean’s two books here:

40 Days in Philippians: Finding Joy in Jesus:   https://g3min.org/shop/books/g3press/40-days-in-philippians-finding-joy-in-jesus-sean-cole/

Your Identity in the Trinity: Discovering God’s Grace in the Gospel:  https://rb.gy/yoa223

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.seancole.net

FOLLOW on:

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/understanding-christianity/id979729949

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Dr. Sean Cole preaches an overview of the Lord's Prayer. He addresses the following topics:

The prayer's brevity, God's sovereignty, and it's strategy. The Lord's Prayer serves as a template for not only WHAT to pray for but also HOW to pray.

The address to our Father in heaven shows us that we can approach God with boldness, reverence, and togetherness.

Do you need to be taught to pray? Is your prayer life weak, dry, and lifeless? Do you need some major encouragement in both how to pray and what to pray for?

 Can you truly say that prayer is your lifeblood?  The chief exercise of your faith? The primary way you live out your Christianity?

 Scottish Preacher Robert Murray M'Cheyne said this, “What a man is on his knees before God, that he is, and nothing more.”

Sean has released a new book on prayer called 30 Days of Praying the Scriptures, and you can purchase it here:

https://bit.ly/49XaYQN

Sean's book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released.

You can purchase it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1

https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk

You can purchase Sean’s two books here:

40 Days in Philippians: Finding Joy in Jesus:   https://g3min.org/shop/books/g3press/40-days-in-philippians-finding-joy-in-jesus-sean-cole/

Your Identity in the Trinity: Discovering God’s Grace in the Gospel:  https://rb.gy/yoa223

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.seancole.net

FOLLOW on:

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/understanding-christianity/id979729949

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In Matthew 6:1-6, Jesus teaches us to beware of seeking man’s praise instead of God’s glory. Verse 1 is Jesus’s main point in this section of the Sermon on the Mount, and he will give three areas of personal worship or devotion: giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting. The idea of practicing righteousness is a good thing.

This is not legalism or working FOR our salvation, but being a devoted follower of Christ who seeks to glorify Him through how we live. What kind of righteousness should we practice? A righteousness that is greater than the Pharisees, which means that it is not external show or doing things to impress others, but the secret things of the heart, where only God sees, and you can’t fake it. 

We should give to the needy. We should pray. We should fast. These are practices that we, as believers, should incorporate into our lives as we grow in maturity. The problem is when we do these things to “be seen” by others.

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released.

You can purchase it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1

https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk

You can purchase Sean’s two books here:

40 Days in Philippians: Finding Joy in Jesus:   https://g3min.org/shop/books/g3press/40-days-in-philippians-finding-joy-in-jesus-sean-cole/

Your Identity in the Trinity: Discovering God’s Grace in the Gospel:  https://rb.gy/yoa223

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.seancole.net

FOLLOW on:

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Dr. Sean Cole answers questions spontaneously from the class, without notes or preparation, during "Stump the Pastor" night.

The questions asked ranged from the scapegoat legend from the Talmud to the identity of Melchizedek. Pastor Sean answered the question about whether John 8's account of the women caught in adultery should be included in the Bible. This led to a discussion on textual variants and the ending of Mark's gospel. Another question was asked about the Book of Enoch.

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released.

You can purchase it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1

https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk

You can purchase Sean’s two books here:

40 Days in Philippians: Finding Joy in Jesus:   https://g3min.org/shop/books/g3press/40-days-in-philippians-finding-joy-in-jesus-sean-cole/

Your Identity in the Trinity: Discovering God’s Grace in the Gospel:  https://rb.gy/yoa223

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.seancole.net

FOLLOW on:

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/understanding-christianity/id979729949

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Dr. Sean Cole preached a special Mother's Day sermon on parenting, based on Matthew 5:48.

This section of the Sermon on the Mount started at 5:17 and now ends at 5:48 as a summary of the six antitheses.

Jesus has addressed six laws or issues that the religious leaders were twisting: (1) murder, (2) adultery, (3) divorce, (4) oaths and vows, (5) retaliation and revenge, and (6) loving our enemies. These laws were all addressed in the Old Testament, but Jesus takes us deeper into God’s requirements by getting to the heart of the issue. Where is our heart? What dominates our thoughts? Do we merely try to conform to some outward list of rules and regulations, or do we truly see God’s law as not only the perfect standard of our outward conduct, but also the inward condition of our hearts?

Here is the main point or central idea I want us to explore today: Parents should imitate their heavenly Father, not perfectly, but intentionally.

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released.

You can purchase it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1

https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk

You can purchase Sean’s two books here:

40 Days in Philippians: Finding Joy in Jesus:   https://g3min.org/shop/books/g3press/40-days-in-philippians-finding-joy-in-jesus-sean-cole/

Your Identity in the Trinity: Discovering God’s Grace in the Gospel:  https://rb.gy/yoa223

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.seancole.net

FOLLOW on:

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/understanding-christianity/id979729949

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The main idea of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-42 is that we should trust the Lord to vindicate us for our wrongs.

This passage has been one of the most misunderstood portions of the Sermon on the Mount, resulting in some strange interpretations and practices.

Does this mean we are to be doormats who give up all rights?

Does this mean we should never use or endorse violence in any situation?

Does this mean that we should be pacifists and not serve in the military or law enforcement?

Listen and find out as Dr. Sean Cole explains this passage in detail.

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released.

You can purchase it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1

https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk

You can purchase Sean’s two books here:

40 Days in Philippians: Finding Joy in Jesus:   https://g3min.org/shop/books/g3press/40-days-in-philippians-finding-joy-in-jesus-sean-cole/

Your Identity in the Trinity: Discovering God’s Grace in the Gospel:  https://rb.gy/yoa223

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.seancole.net

FOLLOW on:

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/understanding-christianity/id979729949

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