1. 32:15

    Questions and Answers

    A questions and answers session with Drs. Sinclair Ferguson, Stephen Nichols, Burk Parsons, R.C. Sproul, and Derek Thomas.

    Questions:

    1. Some speak of the Reformation as more something to be mourned, and that it's a schismatic movement. So, would it be a more important response to the Reformation to mourn, or is it right to celebrate? (0:00)
    2. We often talk about recovering the Gospel. How was the Gospel lost in first place, and how can we avoid losing it again? (0:35)
    3. What are the differences between sins, inequities, and trespasses? (4:52)
    4. Do preachers, or pastors, have a higher importance than normal Christians? Would God favor a pastor more than myself or someone else? (9:05)
    5. The phrase "Semper Reformanda," "always reforming." It's often used to describe a constantly changing and evolving church. Is that what it means, that the church should always be in flux? (13:16)
    6. What should we say though to folks who think that these issues that caused the Reformation aren't really issues anymore today? (17:02)
    7. In your assessment, what one personal quality or characteristic made Luther such an effective instrument in God's hands to reform the church? What do you appreciate about Luther? (20:04)
    8. What about today? What is the biggest threat to Christianity in this century, as you see it right now? (24:33)
    9. Has the young, restless and reformed movement built on, or detract from the historical message of the Reformation? (28:01)
    10. Where should our confidence be as we leave here tonight, as we assess the Reformation, where should our confidence be placed? (30:35)
    Note: Answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

  2. 49:10

    Questions and Answers #1

    Dr. R.C. Sproul joined us live via video to answer theological questions from the conference attendees.
    Questions:
    1. How many hole-in-ones have you made? (00:16)
    2. How are you feeling? (1:15)
    3. What do you believe regarding preterism? (1:54)
    4. Are there new types of heresy that we should be aware of in this generation? (2:59)
    5. Do we pray to the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit? (4:25)
    6. How many wills does God have? (5:33)
    7. What is the biblical meaning of the phrase from Pilgrim’s Progress: “You shall find [the river] deeper or shallower, as you believe in the King of this place”? (9:50)
    8. What is theonomy, and what are your views on the subject? (11:12)
    9. What is the path forward for the church in reaching out to the homosexual community in love and compassion while still maintaining truth? (14:28)
    10. What is the difference between Reformed and dispensational doctrine? (17:13)
    11. Why did God continue to call Israel “Jacob” after changing his name? (19:48)
    12. How does Arminian doctrine affect an evangelical’s Christian walk? (22:20)
    13. Aside from financial support and prayer, how can we prepare our hearts for the persecuted church? (25:07)
    14. Where did Lazarus’ soul go before he was raised from the dead? (28:35)
    15. What advice would you give young theologians and preachers? (30:32)
    16. Does God love the wicked the same as he loves the elect? (32:24)
    17. What advice would you give to a person who feels called to street preach? (35:05)
    18. Is Roman Catholic baptism valid? (35:56)
    19. How does the Roman Catholic Church regard Peter as the first pope when the Roman Catholic Church did not exist back then as it does today? (39:04)
    20. How do we balance truth, worship, and emotion? (41:04)
    21. What is the relationship between the Old Testament law of not drinking blood and the drinking of Christ’s blood in communion? (42:37)
    22. Is the fourth commandment still applicable to modern Christians? (45:02)
    23. What books, other than the Bible, have inspired, challenged, and encouraged you? (47:29)

    R.C. Sproul
  3. 56:21

    Questions and Answers #1

    Sinclair Ferguson, Russell Moore, and R.C. Sproul answer questions on topics such as why Adam sinned, the importance of creeds and confessions in the church, how we can know if our worship music is pleasing to God, and more.
    Questions:
    1. If Adam was born free from evil and sin, why did he sin? (00:05)
    2. If God is sovereign, what is the purpose of intercessory prayer? (02:20)
    3. Is it important that a church subscribe to a confession (such as the Westminster Confession of Faith)? Why or why not? (04:39)
    4. What parts of the law are still relevant to us today? (06:57)
    5. Why are people so hostile to the doctrine of election? (11:48)
    6. Is it a sin to be angry with God? (15:37)
    7. Can you still be a Christian if you do not believe that Scripture is the inerrant and infallible Word? (17:39)
    8. How can we objectively determine if our worship music is pleasing to God? (22:50)
    9. How does one react to being declared homophobic before being able to show love to friends or family who have “come out” as homosexual? (34:29)
    10. What has been the best work you have found on the subject of theodicy, if any? (45:15)
    11. What is the gospel? (51:54)
    Note: Answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

  4. 55:08

    Questions and Answers #2

    Kevin DeYoung, W. Robert Godfrey, Stephen Nichols, and R.C. Sproul answer questions on topics such as modern advancements in medical technology, children who die in infancy, what Heaven will be like, and more.
    Questions:
    1. Considering that Coptic Christians believe Jesus had only one nature (monophysites), can we consider them Christians? (00:30)
    2. With all of the advancements in medical care in helping to keep people alive, what is the Christian’s responsibility in accepting these medical advances? Can a Christian say no to medical treatment or do we have the responsibility to seek any and all treatment available? (06:00)
    3. How do I faithfully keep the 5th commandment when I have two mothers instead of a father and a mother? (09:13)
    4. Is it a sin to change your sex with surgery and/or drugs? (13:30)
    5. Are women who profess to be Christians, but proceed with an abortion on the promise of forgiveness, truly saved? (15:03)
    6. What do we say to a mother who has lost her child in infancy when she asks, “is my child in Heaven?” (24:53)
    7. My teenage daughter stated, “how boring heaven must be if all we are doing there is worship God.” It was a thought and statement that took my breath away. What do you think heaven will be like? (27:32)
    8. We are told to obey our government. Was it sinful for Tyndale to translate and print the Bible? (33:23)
    9. If the devil is not omnipresent, how much of our sin is a result of our sinful nature as opposed to temptations of the devil? (35:07)
    10. Since Jesus received our punishment, why do Christians still receive punishment for sins they commit? For example, why would a Christian become sick or die for not judging themselves rightly before communion (1 Cor. 11)? (36:10)
    11. Sadly, I do not have a great love for my fellow man. I do not have a great fear for the lost. I tell myself that I love God, and want to serve and please Him. Am I fooling myself on my salvation? (42:25)
    12. I am in leadership at a very traditional Baptist church. My pastor knows of my Reformed leanings. How can I best serve my church while pushing and praying for reformation? (48:38)
    Note: This Questions and Answers session is made available for historical archival purposes only. Further, answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

  5. 56:27

    Questions and Answers

    A Questions and Answers session with Drs. Nathan Busenitz, John MacArthur, Stephen Nichols, and R.C. Sproul.
    Questions:
    1. What are some tips for showing mercy and grace when introducing the doctrines of grace into a church? (00:08)
    2. Dr. Busenitz, can you comment on the pastoral preparation needed? (07:39)
    3. Since God foreordains everything, did He ordain Satan and the fall? (09:03)
    4. In regards to Romans 8:29, why is "foreknew" presented with predestination? (14:41)
    5. Are we saved by Jesus' life, death, or both? (19:10)
    6. How can we explain the law and preach the gospel today? (21:10)
    7. Dr. Sproul, can you explain the law and the gospel in the design of Saint Andrew's architecture? (25:11)
    8. Is there a minimum level of evidence to know you are saved? (28:05)
    9. Can you identify a figure from church history that has impacted your ministry and theological formation? (33:45)
    10. Since God is love and love does not seek its own, how do we reconcile that with God doing everything for His own pleasure? (41:06)
    11. How should the church be preparing pastors to minister to the next generation? (45:02)
    12. How should we take passages that seemingly show that God has changing emotions? (48:12)
    13. What is the one statement you would leave on your tombstone? (52:03)
    Note: Answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

  6. 50:33

    Questions and Answers #1

    Stephen Nichols and R.C. Sproul answer questions ranging from the atonement and church history, to the dangers of Roman Catholic theology and Arminianism.
    Questions:
    1. What is the difference between the spiritual blessing of God found in the gospel, and the blessings or curses (based on obedience) that seems to be indicated in Deuteronomy?  (1:30)
    2. Explain the picture that is being painted when the priest would lay his hands on the scapegoat in the Old Testament. (4:23)
    3. Was there a form of church discipline in the Old Testament? (7:10)
    4. Help us understand how Jesus died on the cross, yet God did not die? (8:00) 
    5. How important is theology in hymn writing? (11:00)
    6. How should we answer critiques that deny the active obedience of Christ imputed to the believer? (12:12)
    7. What did Dietrich Bonhoeffer mean when he said, "life was meant to be lived from the Cross"? (16:57)
    8. Do you have a favorite George Whitefield sermon where he preached "the glories of the cross”? (19:28)
    9. What was your highlight from the New England tour? (25:28)
    10. Should every sermon from every pulpit include "Christ and Him crucified," even in Old Testament passages? (26:55)
    11. Since man is totally depraved, why did God have to blind their eyes and harden their hearts in John 12:40? (32:45)
    12. Why did God permit evil? (34:49) 
    13. What would you say to a Roman Catholic who seems to have a high view of Scripture and a personal faith in Jesus Christ, yet feels compelled to remain in the Roman Catholic Church. (36:25)
    14. Are Arminians saved? Are they Christians? (39:51)
    15. Is it possible for a level of Arminian theology to cross over into heresy? (42:32)
    Note: Answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

  7. 62:07

    Questions and Answers #1

    Sinclair Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey, Albert Mohler, and R.C. Sproul answer questions ranging from addressing how we should speak with those who have embraced a homosexual lifestyle, to the use of images of Jesus and recent movies featuring biblical themes.
    Questions:
    1. How do US army chaplains stay faithful to God and His truth, and provide the gospel to same-sex couples? How do they stay faithful amidst the persecution? (00:13)
    2. I have a son who has entered in to a homosexual lifestyle. How do I handle this, how do I act, what do I say? (02:58)
    3. I have many Christian friends who are libertarians and say the state should not be involved in marriage at all. Is this a correct position? (14:13)
    4. I have a relative who is constantly trying to say that if I try to say something is false or sinful I am "condemning" the person or the thing and am not being loving. What do I say in response? (23:13)
    5. Is personal peace and affluence the biggest impediment to Christian witness? (28:37)
    6. How do I explain the reality of sin? (29:41)
    7. Since there is one God, why is it that we have so many different views and denominations? (30:27)
    8. We live in a rural area without access to solid biblical teaching, let alone Reformed teaching. The nearest church with such teaching is 2 hours drive away. How should we agree to meet with and serve when we don't agree with things taught from the pulpit? (36:04)
    . . . .
    1. Dr. Mohler, is homeschooling a retreat from the world? Can we put children in school and expect them to engage the world? (42:05)
    2. What is the biblical way we should think about movies such as, Son of God, Noah, God's Not Dead, and Heaven is for Real? (45:25)
    3. What words of advice and encouragement would you give to someone teaching three and four year-olds? How do we prepare them for a world that will be against them if they follow Jesus? (54:20)
    Note: Answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

  8. 52:49

    Questions and Answers #2

    Stephen Nichols and R.C. Sproul answer questions ranging from the deity of Christ and the gifts of the Spirit, to church history and the future of ethnic Israel.
    Questions:
    1. What are the opportunities and challenges of ministering here in Philadelphia? (00:52)
    2. I know that God allowed sin to be in the world, but why would He if He could have prevented it? (3:15)
    3. How does expressing joy in worship relate to the Regulative Principle of worship? (5:47)
    4. In view of the previous question, would some in the Reformed community view George Whitefield skeptically today? (13:45)
    5. Should we use the term “Calvinism” or should we find a new term that doesn’t single out one man? (14:39)
    6. The Apostle Paul refers to us as “saints,” Galatians 4:5-6 refers to us as “heirs of God” and “sons of God.” Why do Christians refer to themselves as “sinners”? (16:24)
    7. Why did you write the ABCs of God? What was your motivation? (18:25)
    8. How can we explain the complicated truths of the deity of Christ to a ten year-old? (19:54)
    9. What did Jesus experience on the cross that parallels those that are suffering in hell? (22:24)
    10. Can you address the Apostle’s Creed and its reference to Jesus descending into Hell (23:43)
    11. Are those in Hell separated from God? (25:20)
    12. Why are the works of the Holy Spirit in the apostolic age different today? (25:40)
    13. Do we sometimes confuse miracles with providence? (32:10)
    14. What is God’s plan for ethnic Israel? (33:56)
    15. How do you respond to dispensationalists who accuse Reformed Christians of believing in replacement theology? (36:03)
    16. How should this affect evangelizing Jews? (40:37)
    17. What three books on church history would you recommend and why? (41:09)
    18. What is your opinion of alter calls? (42:40)
    Note: Answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

  9. 58:53

    Questions and Answers #2

    Voddie Baucham, Stephen Nichols, R.C. Sproul, and Derek Thomas answer questions ranging from how God views the elect before they are saved, defining a Reformed view of speaking in tongues, and how to know if we've truly "repented enough."
    Questions:
    1. Athanasius confronted the issue of the deity of Christ. What is the strongest enemy the church faces today? (00:10)
    2. If God wants us to spend all eternity with Him, why didn't He just put us with Him from the beginning? (08:43)
    3. How do we deal with knowing some of our loved ones may be headed to perdition? (11:29)
    4. Since we are chosen before the foundation of the world, how does God view us before we are born again? (15:30)
    5. Dr. Baucham, you said that you had overcome numerous struggles as a married adult man due to not having your father around when younger. I can relate. Can you talk about this a bit? (16:42)
    6. I am trying to reconcile the death of my son. How do I deal with my anger against God experienced as I am in this dark time? (20:08)
    7. Since God is slow to anger and patient, why, when man first sinned, was His wrath and punishment so severe? (23:19)
    8. What is the minimal amount of gospel truth that must be believed to be saved? (25:43)
    9. How can we overcome the view that the OT portrays an unloving and ungracious God? (29:25)
    10. Can you discuss the relationship between God's sovereignty in salvation and man's responsibility? (33:30)
    11. What is the balance between standing for truth and maintaining the unity of the Spirit? (34:08)
    12. About Luther's anti-Semitism seen in his writings—How can these attitudes and actions of the father of the Reformation be justified? (38:26)
    13. What is the Reformed view of speaking in tongues? (43:20)
    14. Given that we are not of the world, but sent into the world, what should our political involvement be, particularly for moral issues? (46:22)
    15. I have a friend who says she is saved but has no need for the church. How can I help her return to church? (49:00)
    16. How can pastors encourage their flocks to engage the world in the most effective way in the public square? (52:04)
    17. Is repentance more than a change of mind? How can I know that I've repented enough? (53:52)
    Note: This Questions and Answers session is made available for historical archival purposes only. Further, answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

  10. 63:35

    Questions and Answers

    Stephen Meyer, Albert Mohler, and R.C. Sproul answer questions ranging from marriage and abortion, to intelligent design and assurance.
    Questions:
    1. How can I best share the gospel in the work place? (1:03)
    2. As a Christian, how do I submit to my husband, who is no longer a believer? (10:14)
    3. Dr. Meyer, is intelligent design simply the twenty-first century version of creationism renamed and repackaged from the 70s and 80s? (14:45)
    4. What is the future for denominations that remain silent on the issue of gay “marriage"? (19:35)
    5. For those of us who have family members who are homosexual, how do we adequately share the gospel with them and with their & “partners” without condoning their sin? (25:45)
    6. Dr. Mohler, will you address pornography and its place in the sexual devolution? (31:10)
    7. Should all sexual acts outside of marriage be criminalized? Why, or why not? (35:38)
    8. What is the responsibility of the church to help their church members understand the difference between political allies vs. spiritual enemies? (39:39)
    9. How do we stand up for life and remain sensitive to the pain of those who have had an abortion? (47:40)
    10. Paul, in Acts 17:30, says the times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. What are these times of ignorance, and what does it mean that God overlooked them? (53:25)
    11. If I can’t point to the day of my regeneration, can I still have assurance of salvation? (57:22)
    Note: This Questions and Answers session is made available for historical archival purposes only. Further, answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

  11. 47:34

    Questions and Answers

    Gregory Beale, Michael Morales, Stephen Nichols, R.C. Sproul, R.C. Sproul Jr., and Derek Thomas answer questions ranging from Jesus' baptism, the atonement, and church history, to their favorite books of the Bible, and the theology of N.T. Wright.
    Questions:
    1. Why was it necessary for Christ to be baptized? (1:17)
    2. Derek Thomas, before you ran out of time in your message, what was going to be your third proof point for the resurrection? (3:19)
    3. After Christ accomplished his atonement, when and how, according to God's moral justice, did the Father's disposition toward the Son change from unmitigated wrath to redemptive favor? (5:45)
    4. How does Jesus' identity as the Word qualify Him to uniquely fulfill God's commission to Adam? (9:15)
    5. Do you believe Jesus Christ carries Mary's genes, or are His genes unique? (12:05)
    6. The Bible says that Adam was made in the image of God, but it also says that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Is Christ in the image of God the same way as we are? If not, why does the Bible use the same terminology, and what marks the difference between our image bearing and Christ's image bearing? (13:19)
    7. Stephen Nichols, as a church historian, beside the Reformation, what period in church history should we be most interested in? (15:25)
    8. Do you believe we need another Reformation, or another revival in this country? (17:25)
    9. What are some key principles or Scriptures that you gentlemen use to revitalize your faith when you're severely discouraged or feel very dry in your faith? (21:49)
    10. What are your favorite book of the Bible, or if it is a Psalm, which Psalm? (24:08)
    11. What did Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 1:24 when he calls Christ the wisdom of God? (30:31)
    12. The Bible teaches that Jesus was raised from the dead after three days. If He was crucified on Friday and risen on Sunday, how is this explained? (32:35)
    13. Regarding unconditional election, my son asked me, "What's the point of creating people if they won't have an opportunity to be saved?" What do I tell my son? (33:12)
    14. Is Limited Atonement just theological semantics? How important is it for the believer to embrace this doctrine? (36:04)
    15. R.C. Sproul, you quoted Martin Luther saying that justification by faith alone is the foundation upon which the church stands or falls. What are we to believe about N.T. Wright's doctrine of imputation? What does the New Perspectives on Paul do to sola fide? (41:13)
    16. Many in the Reformed camp believe that N.T. Wright is correct and has a good view on the resurrection, would you agree with that? (43:30)
    17. R.C. Sproul, I've heard you mention a connection with Francis Schaeffer in the early days of Ligonier. Can you share with us your relationship with him and how his influence helped you decide the structure of Ligonier Ministries? (45:08)
    Note: This Questions and Answers session is made available for historical archival purposes only. Further, answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

  12. 43:26

    Questions and Answers

    Pillars of Christian Orthodoxy. Ours is an era of historical ignorance and disrespect, relativistic "truth," and shallow faith. Over and against this, we stand as a countercultural movement of believers committed to training this generation in the historic Christian faith. The three pillars on which Ligonier Academy of Biblical and Theological studies is founded:
    History, Truth and Faith
    Note: Answers given during Questions and Answers sessions reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

  13. 57:53

    Questions and Answers #2

    The Word of God makes it clear that consistent and progressive spiritual growth is to be the goal of every Christian. As we practice the spiritual disciplines described in the Word of God, the Holy Spirit moves us to submit to God’s will. 
    In this series of lectures from Ligonier Ministries’ 2005 National Conference, Drs. Mark Dever, J. Ligon Duncan III, John MacArthur, R.C. Sproul, and Derek Thomas discuss the five key disciplines of Bible study, prayer, stewardship, service, and worship. With practical sensitivity and concern for biblical fidelity, they explain how each of these disciplines contributes to our spiritual growth.
    Note: Answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

  14. Introduction/ Questions and Answers #1

    When things are going well in our lives, it is easy for us to affirm the goodness of God. However, tragedies often cause us to wonder if God has forgotten us. 
    In this series of lectures from Ligonier Ministries’ 2004 conference in Seattle, Washington, Drs. R.C. Sproul and Derek Thomas discuss the biblical doctrine of God’s providence. With pastoral insight and a deep concern for scriptural fidelity, they remind us that God is in control of all things — good or bad — and call us to trust in Him no matter what the circumstance.
    Note: Answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

    R.C. Sproul
  15. Questions and Answers #1

    We believe that God has ordained the preaching of His Word, prayer, and the sacraments as the means by which He sanctifies people's lives. There is no substitute for the Scriptures if we want to know and please God, and this is especially true in our worship. Unfortunately, the church today is dethroning God and the power of His Gospel for alternatives and counterfeits.
    The result of using man-pleasing tactics rather than simply focusing on the preaching, reading, singing, and praying of God's Word is that the knowledge of God's glory is diminished, His people become spiritually malnourished, and the church becomes weak and susceptible to false teachers and their doctrines.
    In Ligonier Ministries' 2008 Pastors Conference, R.C. Sproul and Sinclair Ferguson discuss principles of biblical ministry, focusing on the need to be God-centered in our preaching, worship, prayer, education, as well as other aspects of church life.
    Note: Answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

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