Renewing Your Mind with R.C. Sproul

In these United States of America, we have a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people. Presently the federal government is involved with many things including social programs and stimulating economic growth. Aside from those things, what is the primary purpose of government? This series will explore the role of government and the relationship between church and state, and Dr. Sproul begins by examining the fundamental role of human government.

Persecution has existed among the people of God since the beginning of time, most notably with the murder of Abel at the hands of his brother Cain. This suffering does not occur randomly or without reason, but men and women take stands for their God under His sovereign ordination and for His glory. Martin Luther faced trials of this nature many times during his monastic life, but it all came to a crescendo at the Diet of Worms. His response and faith in the face of opposition demonstrates the truth of God's assertion that He will never present before us a task to difficult or big for us to handle.

Beloved for the way in which it highlights Jesus' care for those on the margins of society and for its care in telling the story of our Savior's life and ministry, the gospel of Luke has always been treasured by the Christian church. Dr. Sproul's expositional study of this inspired account of Jesus looks at the significant events of His life and His teachings while unfolding the meaning of both for us today.

Beloved for the way in which it highlights Jesus' care for those on the margins of society and for its care in telling the story of our Savior's life and ministry, the gospel of Luke has always been treasured by the Christian church. Dr. Sproul's expositional study of this inspired account of Jesus looks at the significant events of His life and His teachings while unfolding the meaning of both for us today.

Theological disputation occurs frequently within the confines of the church. At times, differences among brothers and sisters in Christ lead to divisive splits and even animosity, which generally burgeons on account of poor behavior and a less than gentle spirit. In today's lesson, we witness the watershed moment from which the Protestant Reformation would flow. Nonetheless, we see Martin Luther expressing his contention with the marketing techniques of Johannes Tetzel in a humble manner. Contrary to popular belief, Luther did not rail bombastically against the Roman church upon hearing about the selling of indulgences, but he desired to address the issue in the proper forum with reasonable decorum. Although the Lord had other ideas for Luther, we can learn a valuable lesson both from Luther's propriety and the historical events surrounding him.

Theological disputation occurs frequently within the confines of the church. At times, differences among brothers and sisters in Christ lead to divisive splits and even animosity, which generally burgeons on account of poor behavior and a less than gentle spirit. In today's lesson, we witness the watershed moment from which the Protestant Reformation would flow. Nonetheless, we see Martin Luther expressing his contention with the marketing techniques of Johannes Tetzel in a humble manner. Contrary to popular belief, Luther did not rail bombastically against the Roman church upon hearing about the selling of indulgences, but he desired to address the issue in the proper forum with reasonable decorum. Although the Lord had other ideas for Luther, we can learn a valuable lesson both from Luther's propriety and the historical events surrounding him.

The individualistic, global societies created and propelled by sin operate under the assumption that the fortunes and failures of life result strictly from the decisions and actions of the individual. Human beings are autonomous creatures and independent entities unto themselves. Hence, the notion of imputed righteousness (the application of a foreign righteousness on another) struggles against the grain. Yet, the nature of reality foils this principle at every turn. In each stage of life, we experience the effects of others' actions on our lives in permanent and uncontrollable ways, just as we impose similar effects. In this lesson, Martin Luther comes face to face with the notion of imputed righteousness, a concept previously alien to him while under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church.

The individualistic, global societies created and propelled by sin operate under the assumption that the fortunes and failures of life result strictly from the decisions and actions of the individual. Human beings are autonomous creatures and independent entities unto themselves. Hence, the notion of imputed righteousness (the application of a foreign righteousness on another) struggles against the grain. Yet, the nature of reality foils this principle at every turn. In each stage of life, we experience the effects of others' actions on our lives in permanent and uncontrollable ways, just as we impose similar effects. In this lesson, Martin Luther comes face to face with the notion of imputed righteousness, a concept previously alien to him while under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church.

The word "holy" gets bandied about often in contemporary culture. Some apply the term to archaic or sacred ideas or items from past civilizations, while others combine it with a noun for use as an impromptu expression of fear or wonder. Unfortunately, the flippant use of this modifier fails to appreciate the proper use of the expression. It is only for the true, living God, and by extension those people and things He hallows. These are holy. Martin Luther grasped this principle astutely. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul expounds on Luther's inability to reconcile his guilt with the holiness of God through the Roman church's traditions and practices.

The word "holy" gets bandied about often in contemporary culture. Some apply the term to archaic or sacred ideas or items from past civilizations, while others combine it with a noun for use as an impromptu expression of fear or wonder. Unfortunately, the flippant use of this modifier fails to appreciate the proper use of the expression. It is only for the true, living God, and by extension those people and things He hallows. These are holy. Martin Luther grasped this principle astutely. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul expounds on Luther's inability to reconcile his guilt with the holiness of God through the Roman church's traditions and practices.

Protestants around the world today celebrate their distinction from the Roman Catholic Church proudly and regularly. Yet, how many actually know the history behind their separation? The old adage "you can't know where you are going until you know from where you came" may not ring true in every situation, but the sorrowful state of biblical orthodoxy in Protestant churches today demonstrates the value of this old proverb. The events culminating in the Reformation of the sixteenth century occurred in response to the dilapidated treatment and understanding of God's Word extant in the Roman Catholic Church. In the first lecture of this series, Dr. Sproul introduces the man who challenged the errant status quo and sparked a flame of change that still burns today: Martin Luther.

Protestants around the world today celebrate their distinction from the Roman Catholic Church proudly and regularly. Yet, how many actually know the history behind their separation? The old adage "you can't know where you are going until you know from where you came" may not ring true in every situation, but the sorrowful state of biblical orthodoxy in Protestant churches today demonstrates the value of this old proverb. The events culminating in the Reformation of the sixteenth century occurred in response to the dilapidated treatment and understanding of God's Word extant in the Roman Catholic Church. In the first lecture of this series, Dr. Sproul introduces the man who challenged the errant status quo and sparked a flame of change that still burns today: Martin Luther.

Martin Luther's posting of the Ninety-Five Theses reshaped Europe, redirected Christian history, and recovered the truth of God's Word. Five hundred years later, what is Luther's legacy? Today R.C. Sproul and Stephen Nichols discuss Luther's life, teaching, and enduring influence.

Martin Luther's posting of the Ninety-Five Theses reshaped Europe, redirected Christian history, and recovered the truth of God's Word. Five hundred years later, what is Luther's legacy? Today R.C. Sproul and Stephen Nichols discuss Luther's life, teaching, and enduring influence.

Beloved for the way in which it highlights Jesus' care for those on the margins of society and for its care in telling the story of our Savior's life and ministry, the gospel of Luke has always been treasured by the Christian church. Dr. Sproul's expositional study of this inspired account of Jesus looks at the significant events of His life and His teachings while unfolding the meaning of both for us today.