Search Results for: Back to Basics

Back to Basics: How We Got the Bible

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Pastor Matt Tarr – PM Sermon

Scripture: Selected Scriptures

In this message, Pastor Matt Tarr explains how we received the canon of the Bible. How do we know there aren’t “lost” books that belong in the canon, or how do we know that books that are known shouldn’t be included? Before answering this though, the question must first be answered, “Is the Bible even necessary?” If it isn’t, then there is no need for divine superintendence over its purity and preservation. But if it is necessary, then it would be rational to conclude that the same God who gave it, would also protect it.

Back to Basics: How to Study the Bible

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Pastor Matt Tarr – PM Sermon

Scripture: Selected Scriptures

If God inspired His revelation, and the very nature of the term “revelation” indicates that something is intended to be known and understood, then that means that God’s Word is written in such a way that is intended to be known and understood. Furthermore, because God is the author, then the meaning of the text must be derived from God’s intent, not man’s. How should these principles govern our method of interpreting the Bible? This special seminar explains a biblical philosophy of studying the Scripture.

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Back to Basics: The Self-Authentication of the Scriptures (Part 2)

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Pastor Matt Tarr – PM Sermon

Scripture: Selected Scriptures

God’s Word bears witness to its own truthfulness, and just one of many ways it does that is by the fulfillment of prophecies that are so precise and specific, there can be no explanation other than the Divine superintendence of the inspired Word of God. God’s proven testimony therefore reveals the reason why men reject the truth, just as the Scriptures say. It is not a matter of evidence, but the sin of unbelief.

Back to Basics: The Self Authentication of the Scriptures (Part 1)

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Pastor Matt Tarr – PM Sermon

Scripture: Selected Scriptures

It is important to understand that we cannot speak of the authenticity of the Scriptures in “probable” terms, no matter the degree of probability. Because the Bible speaks of itself in the absolute, proof of the Bible’s truthfulness must also be in the absolute? Is that possible? Can we absolutely prove the Bible? Or can we only probably prove the Bible? In this message, Pastor Matt Tarr explains the absolute trustworthiness of the Bible by its own self authentication.

Back to Basics: Can We Trust the Bible?

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Pastor Matt Tarr – PM Sermon

Scripture: Selected Scriptures

The Word of God is the absolute authority about God, salvation, and life. But why? How do we know God’s Word is true? While there have been many attempts to show the truthfulness of the Scriptures, there is one reason that we can trust the Bible that transcends all other reasons: the character of God.

Back to Basics: To God be the Glory

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Pastor Matt Tarr – PM Sermon

Scripture: Selected Scriptures

In Isaiah 42:8, God said, “I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, nor My praise to graven images.” The glory of God is the very reason that He offers salvation. It is all to the praise of His name and is His complete work, from beginning to end. In contrast to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, men have no part in earning their salvation, nor can any praise be offered to the saints, Mary, Popes, or priests for the forgiveness of sins.

Back to Basics: In Christ Alone (Part 2)

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Pastor Matt Tarr – PM Sermon

Scripture: Selected Scriptures

In a recent article by Christianity Today, “diversity” is now understood to be the distinguishing characteristic of Evangelicalism. Historically though, the term was used as a synonym for the Protestant Reformers. How did a term that once articulated a precise message of salvation in Christ alone become so ecumenical? And what’s more, is that the real message of the Gospel?

Back to Basics: Christ Alone (Part 1)

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Pastor Matt Tarr – PM Sermon

Scripture: Selected Scriptures

American Christianity has long ago compromised on the exclusivity of the Gospel message, opting instead for the same ecumenicalism of the Roman Catholic Church. Christ is no longer believed to be the way, the truth, and the life. This kind of “wide-mercy” view of salvation is not the way of Scripture, but for Roman Catholicism, their ecumenicalism presents another problem: they have canonized infallibly that salvation cannot be granted to anyone unless they submit to the pope. Their position today contradicts that, presenting their system with some major problems.

Back to Basics: Sola Gratia (Part 3)

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Pastor Matt Tarr – PM Sermon

Scripture: Selected Scriptures

If salvation is in any way dependent on man, then it would stand to reason that eternal security also depends on him. In fact, it’s for that very reason that Roman Catholics and Arminians reject the perseverance of the saints. However, Scripture clearly teaches that salvation itself is wholly a grace gift of God, and so is the believer’s perseverance to the end.

Back to Basics: Sola Gratia (Part 2)

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Pastor Matt Tarr – PM Sermon

Scripture: Selected Scriptures

What better reason do we have to be thankful than in the reality that man is saved by God’s grace alone? After all, it’s because of the complete nature of Christ’s cross-work that we can be confident that His grace is sufficient for salvation. However, the Roman Catholic Mass makes a gross mockery of God’s grace, and find out why the true Christian can never participate in the event.