Kevin Stilley

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The Saving Power of God : Discussion Questions

Message: The Saving Power of God
Speaker: Dr. Steve Lawson

This message was presented at the Ligonier Ministries’ 2008 National Conference “Evangelism According to Jesus”.

What is the gospel of the Old Testament? Who owns the gospel? And what is the essence of the gospel? Dr. Steve Lawson answers these questions and more as he reminds us of the primacy of the gospel of God as we seek to honor Christ in our evangelism.

What is the doctrine of divine omnipotence?

How does the doctrine of divine omnipotence relate to the salvation of men?

What is the source of the gospel? From whom did it come? Who is its author?

If the gospel is God’s gospel, what is our role in presenting it to others?

When Jesus preached and ministered the gospel, what was his message and ministry?

How does the gospel of the New Testament relate to the gospel of the Old Testament?

What is the protoevangelium?

How many ways of salvation are presented in the Old and New Testaments?

What is the content of the gospel? What is the essence of the gospel?

Why is it important that Jesus was both fully man and fully God?

The speaker says that we have not shared the gospel until we have shared the message of the person and work of Jesus Christ? What are the implications of this for evangelism?

Of does the speaker mean when he speaks of the effectual call of God?

He says that all who received the gospel desire to serve the gospel? Do you think this is true? How does this relate to the subject of Christian stewardship?

The gospel saves from what?

What is the object of God’s wrath?

What is the way to be saved from the wrath of God?

What is the scope of the gospel? Who is it for?

What is the substance of the gospel? What does it mean that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel?

How is the gospel received? What does sola fide mean?

When a person places their faith in Christ, why are they no longer subject to wrath?

How does the story of Martin Luther relate to this message?

How does this message relate to you?

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No Compromise, No Surrender : Discussion Questions

Speaker: R.C. Sproul
Message Title: No Compromise, No Surrender
Scripture Text: Luke 24:46-
[2013 National Ligonier National Conference]

Summary: Jesus Christ has ascended to the right hand of God and has received all authority in heaven and on earth. He is Lord. In this message, Dr. R.C. Sproul reminds the church that the very first creed for which tens of thousands died is “Christ is Lord.” He will remind us that Jesus Christ is still Lord and that every assault on His kingdom is doomed to failure because the decisive battle has already been won.

Who was Polycarp? Why does R.C. Sproul tell his story to introduce this message?

Polycarp could have easily avoided his execution. Why didn’t he say the two words that would have been necessary?

What was the first Christian creed?

In sacred Scripture, the word “Lord” is used in three different ways. Can you name and explain them?

What is the etymological significance of the word “church”?

Why did the disciples rejoice at the ascension of Jesus?

So, again, how does the Lordship of Christ relate to the story of Polycarp’s execution?

In light of this message, what would it mean for you to “Play the man”? To “play the man” at work? To “play the man” at school? To “play the man” with your peers? To “play the man” with your family?

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Luke 24:46-53

46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what My Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.”

50 Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them. 51 And while He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven. 52 After worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they were continually in the temple complex praising God.

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The Holiness of Christ : Discussion Questions

Topic: The Holiness of Christ
Speaker: R. C. Sproul
Scripture: Mark 4:35ff

The disciples were terrified by the destructive forces of nature. What was Jesus’ response to the storm?

Why did the disciples become even more fearful after they saw Jesus exercise power over the storm?

Why does being in the presence of holiness invoke fear in man’s heart?

If the presence of holiness invokes fear in man’s heart, how is it possible to have peace with God who is perfectly holy?

* * *

This is the sixth lecture in the Ligonier teaching series The Holiness of God.

The Ligonier website describes the series as follow,

“The Holiness of God examines the meaning of holiness and why people are both fascinated and terrified by a holy God. This series closely explores God’s character, leading to new insights on sin, justice, and grace. The result is a new awareness of our dependence upon God’s mercy and a discovery of the awesomeness of His majestic holiness. Dr. R.C. Sproul says, “The holiness of God affects every aspect of our lives — economics, politics, athletics, romance — everything with which we are involved.”

Discussion questions and video for the rest of the series can be found at the following links:

  1. The Importance of Holiness
  2. The Trauma of Holiness
  3. Holiness and Justice
  4. The Insanity of Luther
  5. The Meaning of Holiness
  6. The Holiness of Christ

__________

Get “The Holiness of God” DVD Collection

Check out the Ligonier website for additional resources.

__________

Related

Holiness – Select Quotes

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Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover

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The Meaning of Holiness : Discussion Questions

Topic: The Meaning of Holiness
Speaker: R.C. Sproul
Scripture: Matthew 6:9

Can you define the word “holy”? Is it just a synonym for moral purity?

In the Scriptures there are two basic meanings to the word “holy”. The secondary meaning of holiness is personal righteousness and purity. The primary meaning of the word holy is  – separate, that which is other.  What does it mean to be “other”?

How is God holy?

What makes something a holiday?

What makes something holy? What is the difference between the profane and what is holy?

Can a person become holy?  How?

Why are we frightened by the holiness of God, while at the same time being attracted to it?

The Lord’s Prayer includes a desire that the Lord’s name be treated as holy.  Do you think that modern Christians evidence this commitment to the holiness of God’s name? Is God’s name often treated in a frivolous manner?

Is it possible for people to honor God and at the same time fail to revere His name?

Do you mirror and reflect the character of God to a dying world?

* * *

This is the fifth lecture in the Ligonier teaching series The Holiness of God.

The Ligonier website describes the series as follow,

“The Holiness of God examines the meaning of holiness and why people are both fascinated and terrified by a holy God. This series closely explores God’s character, leading to new insights on sin, justice, and grace. The result is a new awareness of our dependence upon God’s mercy and a discovery of the awesomeness of His majestic holiness. Dr. R.C. Sproul says, “The holiness of God affects every aspect of our lives — economics, politics, athletics, romance — everything with which we are involved.”

Discussion questions and video for the rest of the series can be found at the following links:

  1. The Importance of Holiness
  2. The Trauma of Holiness
  3. Holiness and Justice
  4. The Insanity of Luther
  5. The Meaning of Holiness
  6. The Holiness of Christ

__________

Related

R.C. Sproul references Rudolf Otto’s book on holiness.  You can get it as an ebook for only 99 cents.

Check out the Ligonier website for additional resources.

Holiness – Select Quotes

__________

Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover

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Holiness and Justice : Discussion Questions

Title: Holiness and Justice
Speaker: R.C. Sproul
Scripture: Leviticus 10:3; 2 Samuel 6:1-11

So Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord meant when He said:

I will show My holiness
to those who are near Me,
and I will reveal My glory
before all the people.”

But Aaron remained silent.

What?  (What does the Scripture say? What does it mean?  What is the truth being discussed)

  • The speaker says that during the Second Great Awakening there was an emphasis upon (1) man is bad, and (2) God is mad?  Do you think that there is a connection between the nature of the message preached and the movement of the Spirit that was experienced?
  • What do the accounts of Uzzah (2 Samuel 6) and Aaron’s sons (Leviticus 10) have in common?

So What? (How does the truth apply to you, the church, and others?)

  • Do you think that there are Christians today who avoid the Old Testament because God seems to be severe in the Old Testament?
  • Does the love, mercy, and longsuffering God of the New Testament nullify the holiness and justice of God?  What is the distinction the speaker makes between nonjustice and injustice?  Which would you rather experience?

Now What?  (What is the proper response to this message?)

  • Are you guilty of presuming upon God’s loving kindness? What changes in perspective and actions should you make right now?

* * *

This is the third lecture in the Ligonier teaching series The Holiness of God.

The Ligonier website describes the series as follow,

“The Holiness of God examines the meaning of holiness and why people are both fascinated and terrified by a holy God. This series closely explores God’s character, leading to new insights on sin, justice, and grace. The result is a new awareness of our dependence upon God’s mercy and a discovery of the awesomeness of His majestic holiness. Dr. R.C. Sproul says, “The holiness of God affects every aspect of our lives — economics, politics, athletics, romance — everything with which we are involved.”

Discussion questions and video for the rest of the series can be found at the following links:

  1. The Importance of Holiness
  2. The Trauma of Holiness
  3. Holiness and Justice
  4. The Insanity of Luther
  5. The Meaning of Holiness
  6. The Holiness of Christ

__________

Get “The Holiness of God” DVD Collection

Check out the Ligonier website for additional resources.

__________

Related

Holiness – Select Quotes

__________

Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover

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The Trauma of Holiness : Discussion Questions

Topic: The Trauma of Holiness
Speaker: R.C. Sproul
Scripture: Isaiah 6

What?  (What does the Scripture say? What does it mean?  What is the truth being discussed)

  • R.C. Sproul introduces his topic by speaking of a woman who was frustrated by what she perceived as her church’s hesitancy to speak of the holiness of God. Do you think that evangelicals sometimes hide the glory of God’s holiness by emphasizing other topics that are more warm and fuzzy? Why might this occur?
  • John Calvin said that everyone who is exposed to the holiness of God, trembles at his presence?  Is this a part of your experience?
  • What is the difference between an Old Testament prophet and a priest?  How did the judgment preached by the prophets and by Jesus relate to the topic of holiness?
  • How did Isaiah’s pronouncement regarding his own condition relate to the holiness of God?

So What? (How does the truth apply to you, your church, and others?)

  • Even often find a way to justify our failures until we see “the standard”?  What is the “standard” that Isaiah sees in Isaiah 6?  What is the standard by which we are to judge our lives?
  • If our every thought and action will one day be brought into judgment, how can we hope to escape our guilt?  What do we learn from seeing how God dealt with Isaiah and his sin?

Now What?  (What is the proper response to this message?)

  • God opened Isaiah’s eyes, cleaned him, and called him into ministry —   What would God have you see about your condition?  You cannot clean yourself; how does God clean you?  What is God calling you to?
  • Can you honestly say, “God, here am I, send me”?

* * *

This is the second lecture in the Ligonier teaching series The Holiness of God.

The Ligonier website describes the series as follow,

“The Holiness of God examines the meaning of holiness and why people are both fascinated and terrified by a holy God. This series closely explores God’s character, leading to new insights on sin, justice, and grace. The result is a new awareness of our dependence upon God’s mercy and a discovery of the awesomeness of His majestic holiness. Dr. R.C. Sproul says, “The holiness of God affects every aspect of our lives — economics, politics, athletics, romance — everything with which we are involved.”

Discussion questions and video for the rest of the series can be found at the following links:

  1. The Importance of Holiness
  2. The Trauma of Holiness
  3. Holiness and Justice
  4. The Insanity of Luther
  5. The Meaning of Holiness
  6. The Holiness of Christ

__________

Get “The Holiness of God” DVD Collection

Check out the Ligonier website for additional resources.

__________

Related

Holiness – Select Quotes

__________

Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover

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The Importance of Holiness : Discussion Questions

Topic: The Importance of Holiness
Speaker: R.C. Sproul
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-

What?

  • What interest do you think the modern Christian has in the topic of the holiness of God?  Is this topic discussed much in the church that you attend?  How important do you think it is?
  • What did Isaiah see?
  • What is the significance of the statement that “the train of his wardrobe filled the temple?”
  • This is the only place in Scripture that mentions the Seraphim.  What are they?  What do they do with their wings?
  • What was the message of the angels/Seraphim?
  • What is the significance of the repetition in the song of the angels?

So What?

  • What relevance does the holiness of God have to the life we live?  Do you think that a sermon on the holiness of God is as relevant to today’s Christian as a sermon on marriage, finances, sex, or personal peace and happiness?

Now What?

  • Does your life reflect a proper understanding of God’s holiness?
  • Can a person live in a right relationship (righteousness) to God’s holiness? (Romans 3:9-20)  How does God make it possible for someone to be in a right relationship (righteousness) to his holiness? (Romans 3:21-26)

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Isaiah 6

6:1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and His robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphim were standing above Him; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another:

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts;
His glory fills the whole earth.

4 The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke.

5 Then I said:

Woe is me for I am ruined
because I am a man of unclean lips
and live among a people of unclean lips,
and because my eyes have seen the King,
the Lord of Hosts.

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. 7 He touched my mouth with it and said:

Now that this has touched your lips,
your wickedness is removed
and your sin is atoned for.

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying:

Who should I send?
Who will go for Us?

I said:

Here I am. Send me.

9 And He replied:

Go! Say to these people:
Keep listening, but do not understand;
keep looking, but do not perceive.
10 Dull the minds of these people;
deafen their ears and blind their eyes;
otherwise they might see with their eyes
and hear with their ears,
understand with their minds,
turn back, and be healed.

11 Then I said, “Until when, Lord?” And He replied:

Until cities lie in ruins without inhabitants,
houses are without people,
the land is ruined and desolate,
12 and the Lord drives the people far away,
leaving great emptiness in the land.
13 Though a tenth will remain in the land,
it will be burned again.
Like the terebinth or the oak
that leaves a stump when felled,
the holy seed is the stump.  (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

 

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Holy, Holy, Holy
Lyrics by Reginald Hebnr
Music by John Bacchus Dykes

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty!
God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, Holy, Holy! all the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and Seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

Holy, Holy, Holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see:
Only Thou art holy, there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea;
Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty!
God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity!

* * *

This is the first lecture in the Ligonier teaching series The Holiness of God.

The Ligonier website describes the series as follow,

“The Holiness of God examines the meaning of holiness and why people are both fascinated and terrified by a holy God. This series closely explores God’s character, leading to new insights on sin, justice, and grace. The result is a new awareness of our dependence upon God’s mercy and a discovery of the awesomeness of His majestic holiness. Dr. R.C. Sproul says, “The holiness of God affects every aspect of our lives — economics, politics, athletics, romance — everything with which we are involved.”

Discussion questions and video for the rest of the series can be found at the following links:

  1. The Importance of Holiness
  2. The Trauma of Holiness
  3. Holiness and Justice
  4. The Insanity of Luther
  5. The Meaning of Holiness
  6. The Holiness of Christ

__________

Get “The Holiness of God” DVD Collection

Check out the Ligonier website for additional resources.

__________

Related

Holiness – Select Quotes

__________

Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover | Book Cover

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Studying the Bible — R.C. Sproul Explains Why & How

Why Study The Bible – R.C. Sproul

R.C. Sproul answers the question, “Why Study the Bible”. Many own a Bible – it is a perennial bestseller — but few are those who actually study it.

Private Interpretation – R.C. Sproul

The Science of Interpretation — R.C. Sproul

Literal Interpretation — R.C. Sproul

Literary Forms (part 1) — R.C. Sproul

Literary Forms (part 2) — R.C. Sproul

Reading the Bible Existentially — R.C. Sproul

The Historical Narrative — R.C. Sproul

The Explicit & The Implicit — R.C. Sproul

Parallelisms – R.C. Sproul

Scripture & Culture — R.C. Sproul

Principle vs. Custom — R.C. Sproul

Related Books:

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R. C. Sproul – select quotes

You want me to make the Bible come alive? I didn’t know that it had died! If fact, I never even heard that it was ill…. No, I can’t make the Bible come alive for anyone. The Bible is already alive. It made me come alive.
~ R.C. Sproul, in Knowing Scripture

In light of mankind’s universal rebellion against God, the issue is not why is there only one way, but why is there any way at all?
~ R.C. Sproul, in Reason To Believe

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