Heart of Flesh

The Blessed Life

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0500

This episode is a sermon on Psalm 1. Psalm begins by saying, "Blessed is the man..." In many ways, Psalm 1 teaches us about what it looks like to live a life that is characterized by the blessing of God. It is a picture of the good life as God sees it.

Also, Psalm 1 gives us a vivid contrast between the two different types of people in the world. In the Psalms (including Psalm 1), these two types of people are referred to as the righteous and the wicked.

Imitating God

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0500

The famous Missionary, David Brainerd, once said that "the essence of true religion is the soul's conformity to God." This idea is something that we see clearly in Ephesians 5:1-2, where the Apostle Paul gives a beautiful summary command for the Christian life. He says that we are to "be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

A Christian is someone who has been recreated after the very likeness of God (Eph. 4:24) and now they live in such a way that reflects God's own holy character. Perhaps the greatest way that we imitate God is by walking in love and reflecting the way that Christ has loved us and given himself for us.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." - 1 John 4:7-10

Speaking Like a Christian

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0500

After commanding Christians to "put off the old self" and to "put on the new self" in Ephesians 4:22-24, the Apostle Paul then goes on to give several examples of what this looks like in practice. In this sermon on Ephesians 4:29-30, James Kaczor points out 4 things from the text that characterize Christian speech.

#1 - Christian Speech is not Rotten

#2 - Christian Speech Builds Up

#3 - Christian Speech is Timely

#4 - Christian Speech Gives Grace to Those Who Hear

After this, James touches upon what it means to "grieve the Spirit" and the fact that believers are "sealed for the day of redemption."

Transformation Through New Creation

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0500

What happens when someone becomes a Christian?

One of the ways that the Bible answers that question is to say that a Christian is a New Creation (2 Cor. 5:17). To be a Christian means that a person has undergone a powerful and supernatural transformation whereby God has made them into a new person. Ephesians 4:22-24 builds on this reality, as the Apostle Paul calls Christians to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self."

In other words, when someone becomes a Christian they are so powerfully transformed by God that they now have both the duty and the ability, by God's grace, to put to death their life of sin, and to grow in genuine righteousness and holiness. A Christian is someone with a "new self" which is "created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24)." In Ephesians 4:22-24, Paul calls upon his readers to simply live out this reality.

In this sermon Jackson Hankey draws out 4 points from the text:

#1 - Salvation is a Supernatural and Life-Changing Work of God

#2 - True Transformation Works Inside-Out

#3 - True Transformation Requires Both Putting On and Putting Off

#4 - True Transformation Comes Through New Creation

What It Really Means to Follow Jesus | Mark 8:34-38

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0500

There are many opinions in the world today about what it means to follow Jesus., and ironically, the one opinion that is often most neglected is the opinion of Jesus himself. In Mark 8:34-38, Jesus tells us exactly what it means to follow him. Even further, after Jesus tells us what it means, he then goes on to give us 4 astounding reasons why we ought to follow him, no matter what it may cost.

This sermon was originally preached by Jackson Hankey at a weekend retreat for College Athletes.

"The Most Important Paragraph Ever Written" | Romans 3:21-27

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0500

Leon Morris once said that Romans 3:21-27 is the most important paragraph ever written.

The reason that he said this is captured well by what Charles Spurgeon said of this passage. He said "I do not know any passage in Scripture in which the way of salvation is more clearly and fully set forth than this one." John Piper said about this passage that, "if you understand this passage, you understand Christianity." Martin Luther said that this passage is "the central place of the book of Romans, and of the entire Bible."

Nowhere is the gospel so clear. Nowhere is the logic of salvation so powerfully set forth as it is in this passage.

In this passage we see that salvation is by Grace alone, through Faith alone, in Christ alone, and to the glory of God alone.

This episode is a sermon that was originally preached by Jackson Hankey at a Christian Retreat for College Athletes.

Jesus: The Giver of Spiritual Gifts | Ephesians 4:7-10

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0500

In Ephesians 4:7-10, we see that the risen and victorious king Jesus is now blessing his church with an abundance of spiritual gifts, and in verse 8 Paul even quotes Psalm 68 as something that pointed to this very reality.

Now despite all the controversy about spiritual gifts, as well as the many ways they are misunderstood today, one thing we do see here is that spiritual gifts are essential for the life and ministry of the church.

Tune into this episode to hear more!

This episode is a sermon that was preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on Thursday, 1/22/2026.

The Dangers of False Christianity | A Sermon on Matthew 7:21-23

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0500

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus addresses the dangers of false Christianity. He confronts the people who say to him "Lord, Lord" but do not live in obedience to the Father. He makes clear that not everyone who says (and even sincerely believes) that they are a Christian will go to heaven. Rather, Jesus says that there will be "many" who thought themselves to be saved, who thought themselves to be right with God, but on the final day he will say to them, "Depart from me, you workers of lawlessness, I never knew you."

For this reason, this passage is extremely important to help us understand what it really does and does not mean to be a Christian. It is crucial to help us understand if our profession of Jesus as Lord is a genuine profession.

Paul's First Recorded Sermon | A Look at the Apostolic Preaching about Jesus from Acts 13:13-52

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0500

In Acts 13:13-52, we get a glimpse at the first recorded sermon of the Apostle Paul. After sitting down in a synagogue in Pisidian Antioch, Paul is asked to speak and he takes the opportunity to preach to them about Jesus the Messiah. And here in this passage Luke gives us a record of what Paul had to say, and he also records the remarkable response to Paul's preaching that took place in the city. In this passage we find many rich applications for preaching, church life, and evangelism today. Tune in to hear more!

This episode is a sermon that was preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church in Fargo, ND, on 1/25/2026.

One Family with One Father | A Sermon on the Unity of the True Church from Eph. 4:6

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0500

In Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul is discussing the unity of the church. He gives 7 reasons for unity, using the word "one" 7 times. The final and climactic use is in v. 6 when Paul says that the church has, "One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

In this verse, as elsewhere in Scripture, we see that the church is the family of God. The greatest cause for Christian unity is that all Christians share one Father, and the implications of this truth for us are many. Tune in to this episode to hear more!

This sermon was originally preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on Thursday, 1/15/2026.

The Highest Privilege of the Gospel | A Brief Look at the Doctrine of Adoption

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0500

J.I. Packer once said that, "Adoption is the highest privilege of the gospel. The traitor is forgiven, brought in for supper, and given the family name. To be right with God the Judge is a great thing, but to be loved and cared for by God the Father is greater."

One of the most beautiful truths of Scripture is that Christians are those who have been adopted by God. They have been "born of God" (John 1:13, 1 John 3:9), given the "Spirit of Adoption" (Romans 8:15), they are called "sons of God" (Matt. 5:9). Indeed, even from eternity past, God, "predestined (them) for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 1:5).

This means that Christians no longer relate to God merely as their Creator, or Judge, or Lord, but as their heavenly Father. To learn more about this beautiful doctrine, please tune into this short episode.

This episode was originally given as a lecture by Joshua Molden at a River City Men's Discipleship Event.

Regeneration | A Brief Look at the New Birth

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0500

If someone asked you the question, "what is a Christian?" What would you say? For many people the answer to that question is simply someone who has been baptized... or perhaps someone who goes to church... or who reads the Bible... or someone who says they are a Christian.

But the truth is that none of those things actually make anyone a Christian. The truth is that a Christian is someone who has been born, "not of blood (not by birth into a Christian family) nor of the will of the flesh (not by a person's own decisions, desires, or religious strivings) nor by the will of man (not by any other human persons efforts or declarations on our behalf) but born of God (John 1:13)" In short a Christian is not made by any natural means, but rather by supernatural means. That's why Jesus says that unless one is born again by the Spirit he cannot even see the kingdom of God.

This means that salvation is a supernatural act of God. In 2 Cor. 4:6, Paul likens it to God's supernatural and powerful act of creation, and in 2 Cor. 5:17, he says that if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation.

The theological term for this idea is the word Regeneration. To learn more about what this term means, and how it relates to our salvation, tune into this episode.

This episode is a lecture originally given by James Kaczor at a Men's Discipleship event at River City Church in Fargo, ND.

The Doctrine of Unconditional Election

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0500

Charles Spurgeon once said, "I believe the doctrine of election, because I am quite sure that if God had not chosen me I should never have chosen him; and I am sure he chose me before I was born, or else he never would have chosen me afterwards; and he must have elected me for reasons unknown to me, for I never could find any reason in myself why he should have looked upon me with special love."

The Doctrine of Election has no doubt been controversial throughout history. In fact, it was controversial even in the days of Jesus and the Apostles. And yet, it is a doctrine that (1) is constantly spoken of in Scripture and (2) has a tremendous effect on how we view the most core doctrines of the Christian faith, such the doctrine of God, and man, and sin, and salvation.

As such, it is certainly a doctrine that is worth our diligent study and serious investigation. In this short episode, I give a short lecture on this doctrine, where we see it in the Bible, and how it should affect our Christian lives.

This episode was originally recorded as part of a Men's Discipleship Event at River City Church in Fargo, ND.

The Majestic Holiness of God | Isaiah 6:1-7

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0500

In Isaiah 6 the prophet Isaiah receives a shocking revelation of God. And chief among the attributes of God that are on display in this vision is his transcendent holiness. Indeed, the Seraphim, in their praise of God, cry out that, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts..."

Sadly, there are many today, even amongst professing Christians, that have lost a sense of the holiness of God. But Scripture, on the contrary, is constantly pointing us toward this truth. In fact, Scripture seems to highlight this attribute of God as much or more than any of his other attributes.

To learn more about the holiness of God, and how this passage points us to Christ, tune into this episode.

Walking in a Manner Worthy of Our Calling | Ephesians 4:1

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0500

The book of Ephesians has a beautiful balance. The first half is all about the doctrine of the gospel and the second half is all about the duty of the gospel. The first half is about gospel principles and the second is about gospel practices.

In Ephesians 4:1, we see the transition take place. However, we also see in this verse that these two things must never be separated. Gospel living always flows from gospel believing, and therefore, the church must always be telling people the information of the gospel and the implications of the gospel.

Some people want to skip doctrine and get right to practice. Others want to only focus on doctrine and never emphasize practice. Both approaches are unbiblical. The book of Ephesians, and especially 4:1, shows us the importance of emphasizing both of these realities.

This episode was originally recorded as a sermon by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on Thursday, 12/4/2025.

Jesus the Greatest Prophet | Hebrews 1:1-3

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0500

The author of Hebrews begins his letter by saying, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son..."

With the advent season in full swing, this sermon is intended to intended to focus us on Jesus and his role as the greatest prophet that God ever sent. This reality is seen very well in the opening of the book of Hebrews where we learn that Jesus is a prophet through whom God has spoken a powerful word.

However, we also see that Jesus is more than merely a prophet. In fact, he is "the radiance of the glory of God, and the exact imprint of his nature (Hebrews 1:3)." Part of what makes Jesus different than other prophets is that he does not just give God's revelation through his words, but through all that he is and does. Because Jesus is God incarnate, he is uniquely qualified to reveal God to us in a way that no one else can. As Colossians 1:15 says, "He is the image of the invisible God..." It is through Jesus that the invisible God becomes visible. As such, Jesus is not only the greatest revealer of God but also the greatest revelation of God.

This is why the Bible places such a great emphasis on the words of Jesus, and why we read multiple passages that make clear the judgment that awaits those who do not hear and obey the voice of Christ. Tune into this episode to learn more.

This episode is a sermon originally preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on December 7th, 2025.

Recovering an Often Neglected Spiritual Discipline

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0500

Chuck Swindoll once wrote:“I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends!

In this episode, James and I talk all about the lost practice of Scripture Memorization and the benefits it has for the Christian life. We also discuss a very simple and practical system for how to begin a lifetime of memorizing the Bible and retaining what you've memorized!

Psalm 119:11 - "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..."

Charles Spurgeon - "The Bible in the memory is better than the Bible in the book case"

The Greatest Mark of a True Christian

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0500

In Ephesians 3:17 we find one of the greatest descriptions of Christians to be found. We are a people who are, "rooted and grounded in love."

You see, love is the peculiar mark of a Christian. It is the one thing, above all others, that sets apart the people of God from the world.

In this sermon I highlight two things that this verse teaches us about love:

#1 - Love is Essential to Being a Christian...

Someone cannot be a true Christian without being overcome by and infused with the love of God...

#2 - Love is the Supreme Virtue which Gives Birth to All Other Virtues

Love is both the motivation and the goal of the Christian life. Every other virtue we wish to cultivate must come as an effect or a result of love, especially love for God. Because of this, our great goal in life ought to be that we would grow in life, and especially in love for God.

This episode is a sermon that was originally preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on October 30th, 2025.

The Value of Wisdom & The Fear of the Lord

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0500

The Bible has a great deal to say about wisdom and how much we ought to value and seek it. In fact, there is a whole category of books in the Bible that we often refer to as "Wisdom Literature." One of these books is the book of Job, and near the middle of the book, in chapter 28, Job gives some very interesting reflections on the topic of wisdom.

Quite interestingly, this unique chapter actually provides a great summary of many of the most important themes of wisdom that we find in other books of the Bible like the book of Proverbs.

In this episode, I highlight 3 things about wisdom from Job 28.

#1 - The Value of Wisdom

#2 - The Source of Wisdom

#3 - The Beginning of Wisdom

This episode is a sermon preached by Jackson Hankey at a Christian Drug & Alcohol Treatment Program in Fargo, ND.

How to Know if You're in an Unhealthy/Unbiblical Church

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0500

Few things are more influential upon your Christian life than the local church to which you belong. In fact, the most important things about you... what you believe about God, about Jesus Christ, about the gospel, about eternity, etc... these things are largely shaped by the church that you belong to. So being part of a healthy church is very important.

With that said, the million dollar question that follows is this: How do I know if I'm in a healthy church? What does a healthy church look like? What does an unhealthy church look like?

In this episode, James and I spend some time looking at the Scriptures to show what are some of the marks of healthy and unhealthy churches.

For more reading on this -> Consider reading "Nine Marks of a Healthy Church" by Mark Dever

For a good article about leaving a church -> Consider reading "Why, When and How Should I Leave a Church?"

God's Wisdom Displayed Through the Church | Ephesians 3:9-10

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0500

If I were to ask you the question, "Where do you think the glory of God is most evident in the world today?" I wonder what you would say. Of course, many people would point to things like beautiful sunsets, or great mountains, or the awe-inspiring galaxies that number in the trillions, but this text provides us with a very surprising answer to that question.

In these verses, we see that God intends for the greatest manifestation of his glory to be seen in the Church of Jesus Christ! This is where the "manifold wisdom" of God is on fullest display. This is the thing into which "angels long to look" and which God intends to "make known to the rulers and authorities (angelic beings) in the heavenly places." (Eph. 3:10)

Nothing so demonstrates the wisdom of God as the salvation and advancement of his church. In these verses we see that the church is at the very center of God's plan to display his glory to all of his creation.

This sermon was preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on Thursday, 9/25/2025.

If Anyone Thirsts... | John 7:37-39

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0500

Throughout the Bible we often see the idea of "thirst" being used as an image of an intense desire. Jesus himself often uses this same description to highlight the deep spiritual longings and desires that we all have. If we're honest, all of us must admit that we long for lasting joy and satisfaction and fulfillment, and that it is this same desire that motivates all of our actions... Inescapably, we long for the spiritual thirst in our souls to be satisfied!

Remarkably, in John 7:37-39, Jesus tells us where we must go to satisfy this unquenchable thirst. These verses are a short recounting of an evangelistic sermon given by the greatest of all preachers, the Lord Jesus himself. In fact, so wonderful was this sermon by Jesus, that the officers who were sent by the Pharisees to arrest him came back empty-handed and simply said that, "No one ever spoke like this man."

Two Ways to Live | Psalm 1

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0500

All throughout the Bible we see this reality that there are only two types of people in the world. In Genesis 3:15 there is the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman. In the book of Proverbs there is the wise and the foolish.

In the teaching of Jesus there is the sheep and the goats, the wheat and the tares, the good trees and the bad trees, those who enter by the narrow gate and those who enter by the wide gate, those who build their lives on the rock and those who build on the sand.

All people in the world fit into one of these two categories. The Psalms refer to these two groups as the Righteous and the Wicked. We see this reality right away in Psalm 1, as it contrasts both the righteous and the wicked.

In this sermon, I highlight how the righteous and the wicked have:

#1 - Two Different Influences (v. 1-2)

#2 - Two Different Lifestyles (v.3-4)

#3 - Two Different Destinies (v. 5-6)

This sermon was originally preached by Jackson Hankey at Battle Lake Alliance Church in Battle Lake, MN, on 9/7/2025.

Heavenly Mysteries Revealed | Ephesians 3:4-5

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0500

The idea of Divine "mysteries" is something that we see scattered throughout the Bible, and very interestingly, this idea of a mystery (Greek: μυστήριον (mystērion)) is not the same thing as what we commonly refer to as mysteries today.

What's also interesting is that the book of Ephesians has the most uses of this word "mystery" out of any book in the Bible (7x), and most of them are concentrated in this one section from Ephesians 3:1-13.

So what is a divine or heavenly "mystery?" Listen to this episode to find out!

This sermon was originally preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on 9/4/2025.

Heaven on Earth: The True Citizenship of the Church

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0500

There are many rich images used to depict the nature of the Church in the New Testament. The Body of Christ, the Salt of the Earth, etc... One scholar notes as many as 96 of them! Part of the picture this gives us is that the church is so glorious, and the wonderful truths about it are so myriad, that it requires many different images to draw out all of its beauty. Sort of like the way in which the luster of a diamond is drawn out when examined from different angles and in different lighting.

In Ephesians 2:19-22, the Apostle Paul gives 3 different images of what the Church is.

The Church is the Citizenry of the Kingdom of Heaven
The Church is the Family of God
The Church is the Temple of God

In contrast to the low opinions that many people in the world today have of the Church of Jesus Christ, these images draw out remarkable truths about the Church.

One of these glorious truths is that the Church is essentially a manifestation of heaven on earth! Now that's a remarkable thought! Members of the true Church (all genuine Christians) are people who are citizens and ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven. Not only so, but all true local churches are also like embassies or outposts of the Kingdom of Heaven. They are the place where the values, the power, and the authority of the Kingdom of Heaven show up on the earth.

Furthermore, to say that the Church is the temple of God, is to say that it is in the Church where God is most uniquely present. It is in the Church where God dwells and where his presence is to be sought!

Listen to this episode to hear more about the implications of these great truths. This episode was originally a sermon given by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on Thursday, Aug. 14th, 2025.

God's Kingdom & God's King | Psalm 72

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0500

In Matthew 13 Jesus tells a parable about the kingdom of heaven and he says that, "the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."

The point of this parable is that there is nothing more valuable than the kingdom of God, and that, like the man in the parable, we should not allow anything to stand in the way of our entering that kingdom.

Psalm 72 has much to say about the kingdom of God and what it will be like, but even more importantly, I think Psalm 72 shows us why the kingdom of God is so valuable and so great. In Psalm 72 we see that The Greatness of God's Kingdom is Found in the Greatness of God's King...

The author of Psalm 72 beautifully draws upon many Old Testament promises about the Messiah-King and essentially turns them into a prayer for God to bring this king, and all of his blessings, into the world. So wonderfully, then, does this great prayer find an even greater answer in the true king of God's kingdom, the Lord Jesus Christ. In Psalm 72, we see that the reign of King Jesus will bring Righteousness & Justice, Peace & Prosperity, and most importantly, it will last forever...

Psalm 72 has been long loved by the people of God and was the inspiration for the great hymn "Jesus Shall Reign" written by Isaac Watts in 1719. You can find that great song at this link: Click Here for "Jesus Shall Reign"

The Prince of Peace | A Sermon on Ephesians 2:14-15

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0500

Hundreds of years before Jesus came into the world, the prophets spoke of him as one that would bring peace. They said things like that he would be the "Prince of Peace" and that "of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end." (Isaiah 9:6-7) Zechariah 9:10 said that "he shall speak peace to the nations." Micah 5:2 speaks of a ruler that would come forth from Bethlehem and it says that "he shall be their peace."

In Ephesians 2:14, Paul says that Jesus is himself our peace. He is the one who reconciles all peoples both to God and to one another in his body, the church.

This is especially relevant in our day as the world around us calls for peace and for unity amongst a very diverse humanity. The problem, however, is that the world fails to recognize that true peace can only be found in a person (Jesus Christ), as Ephesians 2:14 emphasizes. It is only as diverse people are united in one body (the Church) and to one Savior (Jesus) that true peace can be found. Thankfully, God has promised to bring people from every tribe and tongue and nation into this one body and under this one Savior! Indeed, he shall speak peace to the nations!

This sermon was preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on Thursday, July 17th, 2025.

An Invitation to the Joy of Worship | A Sermon on Psalm 66

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0500

This sermon was preached by James Kaczor at River City Church on 6/22/2025.

The Evil of Abortion & The Responsibility of the Church to Confront It

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0500

Abortion is without a doubt the greatest evil in our day. Since 1973, the number of babies killed by abortion in the United States is over 65 million. That's more than 80x the population of North Dakota and 10 times the number of Jews believed to be killed in the Holocaust.

Even more tragic is how many abortions take place outside the United States. Some estimates say the U.S. accounts for as little as 3% of the world's abortions per year and a recent article by the World Health Organization stated that approximately 73 million abortions occur in the world every year. That's equivalent to the total deaths in World War II and it's happening every year.

In this episode, James Kaczor and I discuss what the Bible has to say about the issue of abortion, what role the church is called to play in confronting it, and what our own ministry at a local abortion facility looks like.

Covenant Theology: An Introduction and Overview

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0500

The concept of Covenants are very important in the Bible. They are central to the Bible's unfolding storyline, and they are central for a proper understanding of the relationship that exists between God and Man. Yet, in much of the church today, covenants are not often discussed and even less often understood.

In this episode, James Kaczor gives a brief overview of Covenant Theology. He touches on the Tri-covenantal Framework often espoused by Reformed Theologians (Summary Below)

Covenant of Redemption: This is the eternal agreement between the three Persons of the Trinity to redeem humanity.

Covenant of Works: This is the agreement God made with Adam, as the Head of the Human Race, that promised eternal life for perfect obedience and death for disobedience. All humans who are not "in Christ" are "in Adam" and still subject to the consequences of this covenant.

Covenant of Grace: This is the agreement between God the Father and Jesus Christ, along with all those who are "in Christ," whereby God offers eternal life and salvation to fallen sinners through faith in Jesus Christ. In this Covenant, God also gives to his people the gift of his Holy Spirit that makes them willing and able to believe. It is through the grace of this Covenant that all people, since the fall of Adam, must be saved.

In addition to this, James spends time unpacking the successive and related Covenants that advance the storyline of the Bible and the redemptive plan of God for the world.

Mainly in this order: Abrahamic Covenant -> Mosaic Covenant -> Davidic Covenant -> New Covenant

This message was first preached by James Kaczor on 6/26/2025 at River City's Thursday Morning Bible Study.

Jesus Responds to Tragedy: A Sermon on Luke 13:1-5

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0500

In the last few weeks in North Dakota we've seen some very destructive weather, including a once in a lifetime storm that resulted in some devastating fatalities. And in addition to the loss of human life, this storm left in its path the destruction of many people's homes and much other valuable property. In many ways and for many people, this event, in the truest sense of the word, was a tragedy.

Now oftentimes when we see tragedies in the world, they sort jolt us awake to certain realities and force us to ask certain questions about the world, about God, and about many other things. The same thing was true in Jesus' day, and in Luke 13:1-5, we see a crowd of people coming up to ask Jesus about one of the tragedies of their day. They want to know what Jesus thinks about this and how he will respond, and Jesus, as he often does, gives them an answer that is quite surprising.

In this sermon, I highlight two things in Jesus' response that teach us about how we should think about tragedies.

#1 - All Earthly Tragedies Point to a Greater Tragedy

#2 - The Right Response to Tragedy is Repentance

This sermon was preached on Sunday, June 29th, 2025 at First Lutheran Church, in Hunter, ND.

Saved For Good Works, Not By Good Works: Ephesians 2:10

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0500

What is the role of good works in salvation?

This is a huge question, and one that has caused a great deal of controversy. All the religions in the world (and some who profess to be Christian) say that, at least in some sense, we are saved by good works. However, the Scriptures teach that God "Saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior." (Titus 3:5-6)

Now that's sometimes hard for us to believe isn't it? In fact, if that's true, then it seems that there is no need for good works at all... and maybe we should just "continue in sin that grace may abound." (Romans 6:1) But that is most certainly not what the Scriptures teach. Rather, a careful study of Scripture (and Ephesians 2:10) makes clear that good works are indeed part of our salvation. However, they are the fruit and not the root of our salvation. They are the effect and not the cause. Just as we read in Ephesians 2:10, in Christ Jesus, we have been created in Christ Jesus for good works, that He has prepared beforehand. Tune into this episode to hear more!

This sermon was first preached by Joshua Molden at River City Church on Thursday, June 12th, 2025.

God's Pursuit of His Glory & Our Pursuit of Joy

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0500

Blaise Pascal once said: “All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.”

I think he is spot in saying this. We cannot escape the fact that we act according to what we desire and we can't escape the fact that we desire joy. However, once we recognize that, a significant question arises... How does our pursuit of joy fit with God's pursuit of his glory? On the one hand the Bible clearly teaches that the world is about the glory of God (all things are from him and through him and to him - Rom. 11:36) and that whatever we do, we are to "do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). Yet, we wonder, is there any room for our joy in this radically God-centered universe? And the answer of the Bible is yes!

These two great realities are intimately linked together because one of the ways that God intends to get glory for himself is by bringing great joy to his people. This is one of the realities that we see in Psalm 65 and that this sermon focuses on.

Here's a great quote from the famous Pastor Martyn Lloyd-Jones when asked to give a definition of a Christian:

“If you were to ask me to give a definition of a Christian I should say that he is one who, since believing in Christ, feels himself to be the happiest man in the world and longs for everybody else to be equally happy!”

This sermon was originally preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on Sunday, June 15th, 2025.

By Grace Alone, Through Faith Alone, In Christ Alone, and to the Glory of God Alone: Ephesians 2:8-9

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0500

The most important question in the world is the question of how people get saved. The question of exactly how it is that sinful humans can become right with a holy God. On this question hangs the eternal destiny of every person. In this passage in Ephesians 2:8-9, the Apostle Paul lays out some of the most foundational truths of the gospel message that set Christianity apart from every other religion and belief system in the world. In every other religion and every false gospel man is saved by something that is in himself, but the true gospel is different. The true gospel is a gospel of salvation by grace through faith, which, "is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

The beautiful outcome of the true gospel message, which once again sets it apart from everything else, is that God has orchestrated in such a way that "no one may boast." That is, instead of salvation that is accomplished through human effort and and human merit, and that would result in the praise of humanity, the true Gospel brings a salvation that is entirely by the grace of God and so completely abounds for His glory. True salvation is accomplished by the grace of God alone and for the glory of God alone!

This message was originally preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on Thursday, 6/5/2025.

But God... A Sermon on Ephesians 2:4

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0500

In Ephesians 2:1-3, the Apostle lays out the hopeless plight of fallen humanity. He says that fallen humanity is dead in trespasses and sins, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air (Satan). He says that by nature we are children of wrath and that our lives were once dominated by the passions of our flesh (a reference to the destructive desires of our sinful nature). But then in v. 4 we find some of the greatest words in the Bible... "But God..." Just like the stars that shine the brightest on the darkest night, in this verse we see that gospel shines brightest against the black backdrop of human depravity. Right on the heels of this bleak description Paul says that God, "being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ..."

Our hope in this episode is similar to the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 3:18-19, that you "May have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

This sermon was originally preached by James Kaczor at River City Church on Thursday, 5/5/2025.

The Beauty of the Body of Christ: Ephesians 1:22-23

Wed, 28 May 2025 05:30:00 -0500

Many Christians today tend to have very low views of the Church. In fact, many people treat the Church like a pesky side effect of coming to Jesus. They want all the benefits that Jesus provides, without all the mess of belonging to the Church. But the Bible shows us a much different picture of the Church than we often hear. The Bible often makes reference to the Church as the Bride of Christ, and Ephesians 5:25 says that Christ "loved the church, and gave himself up for her." It also the Church which Christ said that he would build and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. No other institution has shares in either the promises or the presence of Christ like the Church.

And here in this passage we see even more how essential the Church is to the life of a Christian. Paul uses this idea of the "body of Christ" as a metaphor for the church, and in that we see that to Christ and his Church are inseparably united. In other words, we can't have one without the other. We can't be united to Christ without also being united to his Church.

This sermon was preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church in Fargo, ND, on 4/24/2025.

Where They Were First Called Christians: Acts 11:19-30

Fri, 23 May 2025 05:30:00 -0500

In Acts 11:19-30, we see the founding of the Church at Antioch. This Church, which seems to be the first Church to bring in many Gentiles, is a church that plays a major role in the book of Acts and throughout Church History. As we look at this passage we find some interesting developments of the church in Acts and also many things that are applicable for the life of the church today. Tune into this episode to learn more.

This sermon was first preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church in Fargo, ND, on 5/18/2025.

The Risen and Reigning Christ: Ephesians 1:20-21

Tue, 06 May 2025 05:30:00 -0500

Throughout the Old Testament we find many promises of a great Messianic King who would bring about a great and everlasting kingdom. For example, in the book of Genesis we see in God’s promises to Abraham that there would be a king that comes from him. In Genesis 49:10 we see that this king would come from the tribe of Judah and that the scepter would never depart from him…

Elsewhere, in Isaiah Ch. 9, we read of a coming "Prince of Peace," and Isaiah says that "the government (the kingdom) shall be upon his shoulder," and that "of the increase of government and of peace there will be no end." That he will "rule on the throne of David and over his kingdom."

Even further, we read in Daniel 7, in a vision of the coming Son of Man, that "to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples and nations and languages would serve him: his dominion would be an everlasting dominion and his kingdom would be one that shall not be destroyed."

But who is this great King? In Ephesians 1:20-21, the Apostle Paul sees the risen Christ as the fulfillment of many Old Testament passages about the Messianic King and specifically as the fulfillment of Psalm 110. He says that the risen Christ has now been "seated" (enthroned) at the right of God in the heavenly places, where he is "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named." The risen Christ has inaugurated the kingdom of God that was spoken of in the Old Testament and he has been granted "all authority in heaven and on earth." (Matthew 28:18). Tune in to this episode to learn more!

This message was originally preached by Jackson Hankey at River City's Thursday morning Bible study on 4/17/2025.

Bewildering Blessings & Confounding Curses: Luke 6:20-26

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0500

When Jesus looks at the world he sees only two types of people. There are people who are blessed by God (see verses 20-23) and there are people who are cursed by God (see verses 24-26). Those who embrace Jesus by repentance and faith are the blessed recipients of God's favor, while those who do not are the cursed recipients of his righteous judgment.

In this sermon by Jesus in Luke 6:20-26, he teaches us what these two different types of people look like and he points us to what their final outcome will be, both of which comprise quite a surprising reversal.

As you listen, let me encourage you to consider which of these two descriptions that Jesus gives best fits your life. Are you the one to whom Jesus is saying "Blessed are you who..." or are you the one to whom Jesus is saying "Woe to you who...?" If, after listening, you find that you are in that second category, then my prayer to you is that this sermon would lead to you to the type of godly sorrow over sin that Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 7:10 - "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret."

This episode is a sermon that was originally given by Jackson Hankey at Bethel Baptist Church in Park River, ND, on April 13th, 2025.

Resurrection Now & Later: Ephesians 1:19-20

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 05:15:00 -0500

With Easter Sunday quickly approaching it is an appropriate time to discuss the all-important doctrine of resurrection. In this episode, which is originally a message given during River City Church's Thursday morning Bible Study by Jackson Hankey, he explores the remarkable teaching of the Apostle Paul that believers have become partakers of the same resurrection power that was at work in the resurrection of Christ.

Because of our union with Him, we share in the same resurrection reality. As Paul says in Romans 6:5, "For if we have been united with him (Christ) in a death like his we will also be united with him in a resurrection like his." And what's more, this resurrection power is not only a future reality that we will experience on the final day, but it is also a present reality at work in believers in the present. Even in this life, every believer experiences a glorious foretaste of the resurrection power of God that will be brought to it's fullness on the final day. Tune in to learn more!

Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Spirit as a Seal and a Guarantee

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0500

This episode is a sermon on Ephesians 1:13-14 given by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on March 20th, 2025. The text that this sermon covers is listed below with the main phrases I focus on in BOLD:

"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory" - Ephesians 1:13-14 ESV

In this sermon I discuss the means which the Spirit uses to bring about faith and salvation in the world, namely, the preaching of the gospel, as well as the necessity of hearing and believing it.

I also discuss what it means that we have been sealed with the Spirit as a guarantee (or down payment) of our inheritance of future glory. Enjoy!

Ephesians 1:13 - The Necessity of the Spirit

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 05:15:00 -0500

In the church today there is much debate and confusion about the Holy Spirit, and while this short message on Ephesians 1:13 isn't intended to answer all of the questions we may have, it does make one very important point about the Spirit clear. That is that a person cannot be a Christian without the Holy Spirit. We see here in these verses that the sealing of the Holy Spirit is a spiritual blessing from God the Father to all those who are "In him," that is, in Christ. So whoever is "in him" is someone who has received the promised Holy Spirit.

This point is made even more clear in other Scriptures as well:

In John 3:5, Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God"

In Romans 8:9, Paul says, "Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him"

In a time of much confusion about the Spirit and in a place where everyone believes they're a Christian, this point becomes all the more important to proclaim. Tune in to this episode to hear more!

This episode is a sermon on Ephesians 1:13 given by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on Thursday, March 13th, 2025.

Ephesians 1:7-8 - Redemption through the Blood of Christ...

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 05:45:00 -0500

This is episode is a message that was given by James Kaczor during River City Church's Thursday morning Bible Study on 2/20/2025. The passage that James covers is Ephesians 1:7-8, which is listed below:

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished on us in all wisdom and insight..." - Ephesians 1:7-8 ESV

Ephesians 1:5 - Predestined for Adoption as Sons...

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0500

This episode is a message that was given by Joshua Molden at River City Church's Thursday Morning Bible Study on 2/6/2025. The text that Joshua covers in the sermon is Ephesians 1:5-6, listed below:

"In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved" - Ephesians 1:5-6 ESV

Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:45:00 -0500

This episode is a sermon on Ephesians 1:4 given by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on Thursday, January 30th, 2025. This verse unfolds for us the doctrine of Unconditional Election and the sermon draws out 8 things that we learn from this passage about this doctrine. Listed below is the definition I give of Unconditional Election and the 8 things I highlighted about it from Ephesians 1:4

Def: "Unconditional Election is the Bible's teaching that God has unchangeably and infallibly chosen before the foundation of the world, and based solely upon his good pleasure and not on any foreseen merit, all of those who will be undeservingly saved."

#1 - The Doctrine of Unconditional Election should cause us to praise God

#2 - The Doctrine of Unconditional Election is a doctrine for the whole church

#3 - God's Unconditional Election of us is the fountainhead of every other spiritual blessing that God gives us

#4 - Unconditional Election is an act of the Father through/for the Son

#5 - The Doctrine of Unconditional Election teaches us that God, not man, has the determining choice in salvation

#6 - God made this determining choice before the foundation of the world

#7 - God made this choice unconditionally. Meaning it was not based on any foreseen condition in us.

#8 - God elected us with a purpose. That we should ultimately be presented holy and blameless before him in love

Ephesians 1:1-2: Grace and Peace to the Saints of God

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

This episode is a sermon on Ephesians 1:1-2 which was given by James Kaczor at River City Church on Thursday, Jan. 16th, 2025. This is Paul's introduction to the letter, and as James' mentions it is like an embryo which contains many of the things we see throughout the rest of the book. Now, these are verses that, if we're honest, we are often prone to quickly skimming without really thinking about them, but to do so is to miss some of the great treasures that are to be found. The truth is that God never wastes any words, and if these verses are in the Bible, then God has put them there for a reason. Listen and you will hear more about what that reason might be!

Ephesians: An Introduction & Overview

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

This episode is an introduction to the book of Ephesians which was taught by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on Thursday, Jan. 9th, 2025. As stated in the episode, the book of Ephesians is one of the most important documents in the history of the world. That is largely due to the fact that even though this letter is relatively short, it is one of the clearest and most comprehensive statements of so much of the substance of the Christian beliefs that we hold so dear. Many of God's sheep in all ages have been led by the Great Shepherd to find in this book green pastures and still waters for their souls.

This overview of the book covers a few things:

1. The Historical Context & Relevant Background of the letter

2. The Clear Teaching of Ephesians on Salvation

That it's by Grace Alone, through Faith Alone, in Christ Alone, and to the Glory of God Alone

3. The Teaching of Ephesians on the Christian Life

4. The Teaching of Ephesians on the Church

"The Resurrection, Righteousness, and Reward of Christ:" A Sermon on Isaiah 53:10-12

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 05:45:00 -0500

This episode is a sermon on Isaiah 53:10-12 that was preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on 12/29/2024. Isaiah 53 is one of the most beloved passages by Christians of all ages because of how clearly it speaks of the work of Jesus even though it was written hundreds of years before he came into the world.

Verses 10-12 finish this great passage in the same way that the Bible itself finishes and the same way that all of human history will finish. That is, with a resurrected, highly-exalted, all-glorious Christ, receiving as the fruit of his labor a vast and innumerable people for his own possession. Few passages in the Bible so clearly explain both the redeeming work that Christ accomplished and the way in which he will be gloriously rewarded for it!

"Pierced for Our Transgressions" A Sermon on Isaiah 53:4-6

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

This episode is a sermon on Isaiah 53:4-6 that was preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church in Fargo, ND, on 12/15/2024. Isaiah 53 is one of the most beloved passages in the Bible by Christians of all ages and verses 4-6 are at the very heart of the passage. Perhaps nowhere else in the Bible is there such a clear explanation of the significance of the death of Christ as in Isaiah 53:4-6, and that is despite the fact that it was written 700 years before Christ came into the world!

Here's a quote about Isaiah 53 from the famous English Preacher Charles Spurgeon.

"This fifty-third of Isaiah is a Bible in miniature. It is the condensed essence of the gospel. This is the foundation upon which I have built all my hopes for time and for eternity; this is the source of my sweetest consolation; this is the sun that makes my day, and the star that guides my night."

Isaiah 52:13-15: The Suffering and Glory of Christ

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This episode is a sermon on Isaiah 52:13-15 that was preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church in Fargo, ND, on 12/1/2024. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 is one the most beloved passages of Scripture by Christians in all ages. This is because it is one of the clearest and most thorough passages that we find about the person and work of Jesus Christ in the entire Bible (despite the fact that it was written by the Prophet Isaiah about 700 years before Christ came into the world). Here are a few quotes that demonstrate the richness of this great passage.

"There is, indeed, in all the writings of the Old Testament, no plainer text nor prediction, both of the sufferings and the resurrection of Christ, than in this chapter. Therefore all Christians should be well acquainted with it, even know it by heart, in order to strengthen and defend our faith." - Martin Luther on Isaiah 52:13-53:12

"This chapter is so replenished with the unsearchable riches of Christ that it may be called rather the gospel of the evangelist Isaiah than the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah." - Matthew Henry on Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Lord, Teach Us to Pray: A Sermon on the Lord's Prayer

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 06:15:00 -0500

This episode is a sermon on the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) that was preached by Jackson Hankey on November 10th, 2024, at Bethel Baptist Church in Park River, ND.

The Lord's Prayer is perhaps the most well known and most repeated passage in the entire Bible. Yet, it seems that very few of us have really understood it and taken it to heart. Many of us, in spite of it's familiarity, have been entirely unaffected by it's meaning, especially in our own prayer lives.

Yet, the Lord's Prayer in reality is a glorious manifesto of the heart of Biblical Prayer. At the same time, it is both wonderfully profound and remarkably simple. Surely, we would do well to learn about prayer from the Master himself, the Lord Jesus Christ. Nowhere else in the Bible do we find the command to "Pray then like this."

Confronting the Charismatic View of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 06:30:00 -0500

In this episode, I (Jackson Hankey) address the debate surrounding the topic of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. As we have moved to the Holy Spirit in our discussion of the Doctrine of God, it seems fitting to address some of the current controversies surrounding the work of the Holy Spirit, especially those that have arisen out of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement. With this in mind, we've decided the first thing to address should be the Biblical concept of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Below is a summary of the Charismatic view, as well as the more common Evangelical view that I will be defending.

Charismatic View:

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is experienced by some (not all) Christians. It is a special work of the Spirit that is distinct from regeneration and happens after regeneration, meaning that someone can be a born-again believer but not "Baptized in the Spirit." This work of the Spirit is marked by speaking in tongues.

Non-Charismatic Evangelical View:

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit refers to the experience of all (not some) Christians at the moment of regeneration and conversion when they are "baptized" (immersed) in/with/by the Holy Spirit. It is a distinctive blessing of the New Covenant (fulfilling New Covenant prophecies such as Ezekiel 36:26-27 and Joel 2:28-29) that was not experienced by believers under the Old Covenant. It was sometimes (not always) accompanied with the gift of tongues in the New Testament, but that gift ceased to exist in the church after the closing of the Apostolic age.

Listen to the episode to hear how each group arrives at their views and for a defense of the second view listed in this description. Enjoy!

Recovering a Biblical View of the Holy Spirit

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 06:30:00 -0500

In this episode, James Kaczor and I continue our series on the Doctrine of God and now progress to a discussion of the Holy Spirit. This episode has a feeling of unique relevance given the degree of confusion that fills the church today in regard to the person and work of the Holy Spirit. For many, there is a strong tendency to overemphasize or overrealize the person and work of the Holy Spirit in unbiblical ways. However, perhaps just as common, is a tendency to underemphasize and underrealize the Holy Spirit in similarly unbiblical ways. With this in mind, we hope in this episode (and more to follow) to give a biblically accurate picture of the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

In this episode we look at two main things.

The Identity of the Holy Spirit

As a unique person of the Trinity
As being truly and fully God

2. The Ministry or Role of the Holy Spirit in the Church

What does the Holy Spirit actually do for people?
What are the marks of the Spirit in a person's life?

Your Soul's Greatest Need: A Sermon from Psalm 63

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 06:30:00 -0500

This episode is a sermon that was preached at River City Church by James Kaczor on August 25th, 2024. James' main idea in this sermon is that in the midst of all the trials and tribulations that we encounter in this life, our greatest need is always God himself!

1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.

Psalm 63:1-3

Answering the Strongest Objections Against the Deity of Christ

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 06:45:00 -0500

Throughout history there have been many people and groups who have sought to challenge and subvert the Orthodox beliefs of the church about the Deity of Christ. Oftentimes, these people will point to specific verses in the Bible that they believe prove that Jesus is not truly God. In this episode, I examine a number of those arguments and seek to show how a proper understanding of the Hypostatic Union can answer all of the objections. Below I have listed the arguments that I address in this episode.

1. Christians say that Jesus and the Father are equal, but in John 14:28, Jesus says "the Father is greater than I." How can this be?

2. God is omniscient but in Matthew 24:36 Jesus said he didn’t know the day or hour he would come back. How can this be?

3. James 1:13 says that God cannot be tempted with evil, but Hebrews 4:13 says that "in every respect, (Jesus) has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." How can this be?

4. The last thing I discuss in this episode is not necessarily an objection but a question. Was it possible for Jesus to sin?

A Beggar's Plea: A Sermon from Psalm 61

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 06:45:00 -0500

This episode is a sermon on Psalm 61 that was preached by Joshua Molden at River City Church on 8/11/2024. In this sermon, Joshua emphasizes the neediness of God's people, the power and strength of God as their refuge, provider, and protector, and the ultimate way in which in Psalm 61 is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This Psalm gives us a picture of what it looks like to be a needy and sinful creature that lives with faith in a powerful and gracious Redeemer.

"Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy." - Psalm 61:1-3

Psalm 58: The Serpent-Crushing Christ

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 06:45:00 -0500

This episode is a sermon on Psalm 58 that was preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church on July 21st, 2024.

Psalm 58 is what is known as an imprecatory Psalm. It is a Psalm of David in which he describes and prays against the wickedness of his own day, and in which he also looks forward to the final day when God will bring perfect justice. In this Psalm, David is both looking backward to Genesis 3 (where we find the first promise of Christ in the bible) and he is looking forward to the day when Christ will fulfill all that has been promised about him.

If you're interested to learn more about the way the rest of the Bible builds on the first gospel promise of Genesis 3:15, read the article linked below:

https://cf.sbts.edu/equip/uploads/2010/07/sbjt_102_sum06-hamilton.pdf

Our Favorite Books and Other Resources for Personal Sanctification

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 06:45:00 -0500

In this episode, James and I discuss and recommend some of our favorite resources that have helped us to grow in Christ. This includes many of our favorite books, favorite Podcasts, Favorite Christian Music Artists, Favorite Phone Apps, etc...

*Please note that these things should be in addition to, and never replace, the most important spiritual disciplines of Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship in the body of Christ.

Below is a list of the different categories we discuss and where in the episode you can find them:

5:50 - 5 Most Influential Christian Books that We’ve Read

17:55 - Books on Systematic Theology

25:10 - Books on Biblical Theology

30:10 - Books on Evangelism

31:55 - Books on Church History

35:20 - Books on Ecclesiology (Doctrine of the Church)

37:20 - Books on World Missions

39:50 - Books on Personal Sanctification/Practical Theology

44:55 - Books on Marriage

50:20 - Book on Parenting

52:15 - Books on Apologetics

54:08 - Our Favorite Christian Podcasts

1:01:40 - Our Favorite Preachers to Listen to (In addition to our own pastors)

1:03:40 - Creeds/Confessions/Catechisms

1:04:55 - Our Favorite Phone Apps and Christian Music Artists

The Hypostatic Union and the Humanity of Christ: The Significance of Jesus as Truly Man

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 06:45:00 -0500

In this episode, James Kaczor and I continue discussing the Doctrine of God and the Person of Christ. Here we aim not only to show that the Bible teaches the true humanity of Jesus (that he is "Like us in all respects, apart from sin") but we also aim to draw out some of the theological and practical significance of this reality.

Jeremiah 9:23-24

23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

The Hypostatic Union and the Deity of Christ: The Many Ways the New Testament Teaches the Deity of Jesus

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:30:00 -0500

In this episode, James Kaczor and I continue our discussion of the Doctrine of God by focusing on the Divine nature of Jesus. The New Testament presents Jesus as not just a man but as God incarnate. And it does this in a great variety of ways. Some of these ways are simple and obvious and some of these ways are more subtle. Our goal in this episode is to present these many different ways and especially to focus on those that are more subtle.

Our hope for those who listen to this is two-fold:

That you would be overwhelmed by the tidal wave of evidence that Jesus is God and that you would worship him as such.
That you would grow in your ability to read the New Testament, and especially the Gospels, in a way that uncovers the glorious identity of Jesus Christ more clearly. We aim to show the powerful truths that the gospel writers are teaching about Jesus when we approach the gospels with what we call an "Old Testament Mind."

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV)

23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

Jesus the Soul Quenching Messiah: A Sermon from John 7:37-39

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 07:15:00 -0500

This episode is a short sermon by James Kaczor from John 7:37-39. In this sermon, James explains how these few short verses have much to say about who Jesus is and what he has come to do!

John 7:37-39

37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

The Trinity in Full Bloom: How the New Testament Presents the One God as Three Distinct Persons

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 07:15:00 -0500

In this episode, James Kaczor and I build on the previous one, where we discussed some of the Trinitarian hints of the Old Testament. Our goal is to show beyond the shadow of a doubt, that the New Testament undeniably teaches the Doctrine of the Trinity, and brings further clarity to what is hinted throughout the Old Testament. We believe this is a foundational doctrine of the Christian faith, and that one cannot deny it and yet remain a Christian. As such, it is extremely important for Christians to have a basic understanding of the Trinity and be able to defend this doctrine from the Scriptures. Our hope is that this episode will help you to do so. Enjoy!

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Hints of the Trinity in the Old Testament

Fri, 31 May 2024 09:30:00 -0500

In this episode, James Kaczor and I continue our discussion on the Doctrine of God and specifically the Doctrine of the Trinity. We firmly believe (along with all of historic and orthodox Christianity) that the one God is and has always existed as a Trinity of Persons, each person being truly God.

And even though we don't get a fully revealed doctrine of the Trinity until the New Testament and the coming of the God-Man, Jesus Christ, we can see that there are still many passages throughout the Old Testament that are hinting at this reality. In this episode, our goal is to unfold some of those passages and bring to light these Trinitarian "hints."

Jeremiah 9:23-34

23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

Unity in Trinity & Trinity in Unity

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 06:45:00 -0500

In this episode, Joshua Molden and I give an introduction to the Doctrine of the Trinity.

After establishing our need of the Scriptures for a sufficient knowledge of God (previous episode), we now begin to examine what the Scriptures reveal to us about God, and we begin with this glorious doctrine of the Trinity.

Our goal in the episode is to lay out and defend three statements that the Bible teaches about God, and endeavor to show how they fit together. Our goal is not to remove all the mystery of the Doctrine of the Trinity, but only to bring some helpful clarity.

There is only one true and living God
The one God exists eternally as a Trinity of Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
Each person is fully God

If you'd like to study this issue more, a great resource to look at is the Athanasian Creed

Is the Bible Required for a Saving Knowledge of God?

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Is it possible for humans to know God apart from the Bible? If it is, what can we learn about God? Is it possible to know God through the use of human reason? Or what about observing God's creation? Are these things enough for a person to be saved?

In this episode, we discuss the necessity of Special Revelation (i.e. the Bible) for a saving knowledge of God. This means that in order for us to know enough about God to experience true salvation, we need God to reveal himself to us in a special way.

We argue that although there is much we can understand about God through General Revelation and human reason, these things apart from the Bible are insufficient to teach us all that we need to know about God.

An Introduction to the Doctrine of God: 4 Reasons Why We Should Study God

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode, James and I introduce a new series we're beginning on the Doctrine of God. In doing so, our prayer for our listeners is much like that of the Apostle Peter for his readers - that you might "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18) and like that of the Apostle Paul to the Colossians - that you might be "bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10) We believe that the Doctrine of God is the most important doctrine in the Bible and in this episode we give a number of reasons why!

"Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts, boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth." (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Salvation Through Judgment: A Sermon on Joshua 6

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 07:30:00 -0500

In this episode, Joshua Molden preaches a short sermon from Joshua chapter 6. In this chapter of the Bible, we find the ancient people of God taking their first steps into the promised land and facing off against the city of Jericho. This was the land that God had promised to give to Abraham and his offspring hundreds of years earlier (Genesis 12:1; 17:8), and now the time has come for God to fulfill his promise. In this short sermon, Joshua highlights the meaning of this text and how it applies to us today in the New Covenant.

The Ironic Providence of God: A Sermon on Esther 6

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 07:30:00 -0500

This episode is a short sermon by James Kaczor on Esther Chapter 6. In the book of Esther we find something very interesting, and it's that there is no mention of God anywhere in the entire book. This is especially strange considering that the different names for God (God/Lord) are by far the most commonly found nouns in the Bible (Because the Bible is a book about God). However, in this short book, there is no mention of God. Why is this? Well, in this short sermon, James will show that even though the book of Esther doesn't use the name of God, it is clear that the fingerprints of God are all over the book and its events. In this book we see a wonderful picture of God's Providence at work to save his people and bring shame to his enemies.

Suffering and the Glory of God: A Sermon on Job 1:1-12

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 07:30:00 -0500

This episode is a 20-minute sermon on the first 12 verses of the book of Job. Even though the book of Job is perhaps the oldest book in the Bible, it deals with an issue that is relevant to every age and every culture. That issue is the reality of human suffering. This is an issue that we all must face and it's an issue that confounds the best of human wisdom. However, the Word of God in general (and the book of Job in particular) presents us with some helpful insights into this issue. In this short sermon, I try to highlight a few things from Job 1 that help us understanding suffering from a biblical perspective.

Psalm 49 - The Wise Man Does Not Trust in Earthly Wealth, but He Lives for an Eternal Reward

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 11:45:00 -0500

This episode is a sermon on Psalm 49 which I (Jackson) gave at River City Church in Fargo, ND, on August 20th, 2023. This is a Psalm that confronts us with the reality of eternity, shows us the insufficiency of earthly wealth, and points us to the greatest of all treasures, which is the person and work of Jesus Christ!

Psalm 39:4-5

4 “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! 5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!

The Discipline of Christian Fellowship

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 07:30:00 -0500

In this episode, James and I discuss the Spiritual Discipline of Christian Fellowship. As creatures made in the image and likeness of a Triune God, we are made to be relational and exist in community. As redeemed Christians, we are commanded to partake in the fellowship of the saints. In this episode, we talk about all of the blessings that this brings, and we demonstrate from the Bible that this is an essential part of the spiritual life of every Christian!

"Some Christians try to go to heaven alone, in solitude. But believers are not compared to bears or lions or other animals that wander alone. Those who belong to Christ are sheep in this respect, that they love to get together. Sheep go in flocks, and so do God's people" - Charles Spurgeon

If you'd like to give to support James in his ministry with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at NDSU - Click on this link below 👇🏻👇🏻

https://my.fca.org/?form=jameskaczor

The Privilege and Discipline of Prayer

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 11:30:00 -0500

In this episode James and I discuss the great privilege of prayer. We rejoice in the fact that God has first spoken to us, and that he invites us to speak back to him. We talk about how constant and persistent prayer is necessary in the life of a Christian, and we give some practical advice from the Scriptures and our own lives about how we are to pray.

The Most Important Spiritual Discipline (Part 2)

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 07:45:00 -0500

This episode is all about practical advice for Bible Intake! As such, our goal is to give you some helpful tips that will enable you to grow spiritually through hearing the word preached, reading the word for yourself, and committing yourself to deep, lifelong study of the word.

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word which comes from the mouth of God" - Deuteronomy 8:3/Matthew 4:4

"Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the Book widens and deepens with our years" - Charles Spurgeon

The Most Important Spiritual Discipline (Part 1)

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 07:30:00 -0500

In this episode, James and I discuss the importance of hearing, reading, and studying the Word of God. As Christians, we are called to build the foundation of our lives upon the solid rock of God's word. It is this same word that is the primary means that God uses to save and sanctify his people. As such it is imperative for the Christian to be immersed into God's word.

Psalm 119:36-37 - Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.

9 Tips to Make Your Phone a Helpful Tool and Not an Addicting Vice

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 07:15:00 -0500

The title of this episode is very self-explanatory. The point is to give some practical tips that have helped us to make our phones less of a distraction and more of a helpful tool. Our phones have many great capabilities, but they can also be very harmful. As Christians, we need to evaluate our phone usage and seek to maximize what is good (what glorifies God and promotes our spiritual health) and minimize what is harmful. We pray that these practical tips will help you as they have helped us!

Here is a link that includes each tip and instructions for how to implement it in your phone settings 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wvG2rWxhpXt4uluSQ06jE32mkAHqS8sAmVrLxRlsA0g/edit?usp=sharing

Why are Spiritual Disciplines so Hard for Us?

Tue, 30 May 2023 07:30:00 -0500

In this episode, we talk about the most common things that keep us away from Spiritual Disciplines, how they can detract from our walk with Christ, and we give some practical advice for overcoming these obstacles. Enjoy!

Ask us Questions - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeibNhMvJzlnDeEQS304gYEeunTLwYsl5UWJ3iNNPP2glbhJA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Growing in Christ through the Spiritual Disciplines

Tue, 23 May 2023 07:30:00 -0500

We live in a day and age where the quick and convenient is much preferred to the slow and tedious. However, the Christian is called to a lifestyle of diligence and patience in seeking God and growing in godliness. One of the primary ways we we are called to do this is through the use of spiritual disciplines. In this episode, we discuss the definition of the spiritual disciplines and their purpose in the life of a Christian. Enjoy!

Have questions? Please feel free to ask them at the link below and we will try to answer them in a future episode!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeibNhMvJzlnDeEQS304gYEeunTLwYsl5UWJ3iNNPP2glbhJA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Luke 21:1-4 - Giving Like Christ

Mon, 15 May 2023 07:30:00 -0500

This episode is a recording of a sermon preached at River City Church in Fargo, ND, by Joshua Molden on May 14, 2023, and it is posted with the permission of River City Church. It is a passage where Jesus commends a poor widow for her financial offering, though it was much smaller than the giving of the rich. The main question of the sermon is "What makes our giving good?" Enjoy!

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 - The Ministry of Reconciliation

Fri, 12 May 2023 07:15:00 -0500

This episode is a 20 minute sermon given by James Kaczor as a project for River City Institutes. The point of the passage is to show the way in which God is reconciling the world to himself.

Romans 3:21-26 - God's Gift of Righteousness

Thu, 11 May 2023 15:15:00 -0500

This episode is a 20 minute sermon given by Jackson Hankey as a final project for River City Institutes. The passage is Romans 3:21-26, a passage which John Piper called "the Mount Everest of the Bible." The main theme of the sermon is that, in Christ, God gives to us the righteousness which he requires from us.

Doctrines of Grace: Perseverance of the Saints (Pt. 2)

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode, James and I defend Perseverance of the Saints by addressing a common "problem passage," and we give some final thoughts for the series on the Doctrines of Grace!

Have questions? Please feel free to ask them at the link below and we will try to answer them in a future episode!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeibNhMvJzlnDeEQS304gYEeunTLwYsl5UWJ3iNNPP2glbhJA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Doctrines of Grace: Perseverance of the Saints (Pt. 1)

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 06:45:00 -0500

Can a born again Christian lose their salvation? This is the question we discuss in this episode. The doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints states that all who have been truly born again will be persevered by the grace of God until their salvation is final and complete. A true Christian cannot lose their salvation. In the episode we define the doctrine, defend it from Scripture, and give some practical application for what this means in the life of a Christian.

Have questions that you would like to ask us? - Please feel free to enter them at this link and we will try to address them in a future episode!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeibNhMvJzlnDeEQS304gYEeunTLwYsl5UWJ3iNNPP2glbhJA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Doctrines of Grace: Irresistible Grace/Effectual Calling

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode, James and I continue our series on the doctrines of grace and we discuss what is commonly referred to as Irresistible Grace or Effectual Calling. This is a powerful work of God's grace whereby he calls the elect sinner to himself through the preaching of his word and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.

Doctrines of Grace: Limited/Definite Atonement (Pt. 2)

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode, James and I discuss some passages that Arminians will commonly use in trying to refute the doctrine of Limited/Definite Atonement and the Doctrines of Grace in general.

Doctrines of Grace: Limited/Definite Atonement (Pt. 1)

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode James and I discuss the next point in the Doctrines of Grace, often referred to as Limited Atonement, or perhaps better called Definite Atonement. In this we discuss the extent and the efficacy of the atonement, or, more simply put, we discuss who was the atonement for and what did the atonement accomplish. Enjoy!

Doctrines of Grace: Unconditional Election (Pt. 2)

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode, James and I continue our discussion of the doctrine of Unconditional Election and interact with some common objections.

Doctrines of Grace: Unconditional Election (Pt. 1)

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 07:15:00 -0500

In this episode, James and I discuss and defend the doctrine of unconditional election. This doctrine is often very controversial and difficult to grasp, but we hope that by bringing to light what the Scriptures teach on the subject it may bring some clarity on the subject. In the next episode, we will be discussing the most common objections to this doctrine.

Doctrines of Grace: Total Depravity

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 07:30:00 -0500

In this episode, Devin and I defend the Reformed doctrine of total depravity and try to clear up a few misconceptions. The essential questions in view are these: 1. How much has the fall and the entrance of sin actually affected man? 2. Does man have the capacity or ability within himself to come to Christ and be saved, or is salvation entirely a work of God's grace?

Doctrines of Grace: Introduction

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 08:15:00 -0500

In this episode we begin our series in defense of the Doctrines of Grace with some introductory thoughts and important considerations. We discuss the controversial nature of these Doctrines, the historical background of them, and we try to give some brief definitions.

The Gospel and Reformed Theology

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode I'm joined by my friend and pastor Devin Hiller as we begin to defend the Reformed view of salvation and specifically the Doctrines of Grace or the 5 points of Calvinism. In this episode, we try to lay a foundation by defining Reformed Theology in general and give some of the historical background behind it

Understanding the Gospel: Part 4

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 07:30:00 -0500

In this episode James and I discuss the implications of the gospel on our lives. We talk about how the gospel affects our view of self, how it affects our view of God, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life!

Understanding the Gospel: Part 3

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 10:45:00 -0500

In this episode we discuss the good news of the gospel and how the perfect life and substitutionary death of Jesus accomplishes the salvation of God's people. In this we discuss what is commonly known as "the Great Exchange," whereby our sin is credited or imputed to Christ and the righteousness of Christ is credited or imputed to us.

Understanding the Gospel: Part 2

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 10:30:00 -0500

In this episode we lay the foundation for the gospel by discussing the fall of man in Genesis 3, the universality of sin that results from this, and what sin actually looks like in the lives of people. The Bible asserts that all have sinned and that all are in need of the gospel and in this episode we endeavor to clarify that very point.

Understanding the Gospel: Part 1

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 07:15:00 -0500

In this episode, we give an introduction to the biblical concept of the gospel, which is the message about the good news of salvation that has been accomplished in the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. We describe the need for this gospel and the role that the gospel plays in the life of the church and in the life of the individual believer.

A wonderful book that covers this topic much more thoroughly is "The Gospel's Power and Message" by Paul Washer

Understanding the Bible: Conclusion

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode we wrap up our series on the Bible by giving some concluding thoughts and stressing the urgency of the matter!

Understanding the Bible: A Theological Approach

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I am joined by my friend James Kaczor and we talk about having a theological framework that helps us to interpret passages in the Bible. Specifically, we talk about the importance of developing a Biblical and Systematic Theological framework that comes from the Bible and helps us to interpret individual verses or passages!

Understanding the Bible: Jesus in Biblical Typology

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 07:15:00 -0500

In this episode, we discuss how different people, events, and institutions in the Old Testament anticipate and point forward to Jesus and his work as our Savior and Redeemer! This topic is sure to expand your view of the Bible and help you to see how Jesus is present in all of the Scriptures!

Understanding the Bible: It's About Jesus!

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we talk about how Jesus is the center and the focus of the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments and how the storyline of the Bible clearly points to and is fulfilled in Him!

Understanding the Bible: Genre and Context

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 12:00:00 -0500

In this episode we talk about the importance of context and literary genre in the process of biblical interpretation. Both of these things are great aids in helping us understand the meaning of the inspired text and also help guard us against misinterpretation and misapplication.

Psalm 35: Joshua's First sermon

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 11:30:00 -0500

In this episode, we listen to Joshua's first sermon as he preaches on Psalm 35. This sermon was preached at River City Church in Fargo, ND on August 14, 2022.

This is posted with the permission of River City Church.

Psalm 34: Jackson's First Sermon

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 13:00:00 -0500

This episode we take a break from our series on God's Word and post the audio from Jackson's first sermon on Psalm 34. Joshua will be preaching next week on Psalm 35 and we plan to upload that as well. Enjoy!

This is posted with the permission of River City Church

Understanding the Bible: The Sufficiency of Scripture

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we talk about how Scripture is sufficient for salvation, for trusting God, and for obeying God in all things. We talk about the many commands of the Bible not to take away or to add to God's Word, and how we never need to go outside of the Bible to understand God's will.

Understanding the Bible: The Clarity of Scripture

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 07:30:00 -0500

There is often a misconception that the Bible is too difficult for ordinary people to understand. In this episode we talk about the clarity of Scripture and how everything that is necessary for us to know concerning salvation is plainly taught and able to be understood by all who would make the necessary efforts.

Understanding the Bible: Historical Evidence of Canonicity

Sat, 16 Jul 2022 14:15:00 -0500

In this episode, Jackson examines the historical evidence of canonicity and discusses the issue of the apocrypha

Understanding the Bible: A Look at Canon and Canonicity

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0500

In this episode we discuss the basis that we have for affirming our assurance that the Canon of Scripture (The list of books that are included in the Bible) is indeed the correct compilation of God's inspired Word. In doing this, we discuss a number of different models for understanding the Canon and put forward the model that we think is clearly best and most biblical.

For more information on this topic, Dr. Michael Kruger of Reformed Theological Seminary is an excellent resource.

Understanding the Bible: No God, No Knowledge

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 01:45:00 -0500

In this episode, Jackson gives an analysis of the darwinian atheistic worldview that seeks to remove God's Word as the ultimate authority and discusses its scientific merits and its implications and inconsistencies. For more on this issue, I recommend all viewers to go on youtube and listen to Christian Pastor Jeff Durbin as he interacts with this worldview

Understanding the Bible: Forms and Authority of God's Word

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 07:30:00 -0500

In this episode we talk about the different forms of God's word (What does it mean that Jesus is the Word made flesh?) We discuss the Bible as being written by both God and men, and finally we discuss the authority that the Bible has for the Christian and for all people!

Introduction

Sat, 18 Jun 2022 13:00:00 -0500

Introduction to the podcast, its hosts, and its goals!