Understanding Christianity

Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath in the house of a Pharisee. In this passage we see three issues: (1) the sin of spiritual superiority (2) the sin of self-promotion, and (3) the sacrifice of selfless humility. God hates pride. Pride prevents us from seeking the glory of God and the good of others. www.seancole.net

David finally gets anointed as King of Israel in 2 Samuel 5. This entire chapter focuses on God's faithfulness. His faithfluness to David. His fatihfulness to Abraham. His faithfulness to the Israelites in defeating the Philistines. God is the Mighty Warrior. How is God faithful to us today? The promises made to both Abraham and David come to us through Jesus Christ--our Mighty Warrior who crushed Satan on the cross and won the victory over our sin and shame. Listen and enjoy. www.seancole.net

In Luke 13:31-35, we see two aspects of Jesus: (1) The resolute sovereignty of Christ and the (2) The responsive sorrow of Christ. He laments over Jerusalem. This passage is a famous proof-text for libertarian free will. Did Jesus really want to save Jerusalem, but somehow they thwarted His plan by their free will? Can the will of God be resisted? Pastor Sean addresses this issue in this sermon. He discusses "natural" freedom versus the bondage of the will and how we choose based upon our nature. www.seancole.net

Provisionists often accuse Calvinists of using proof texts to support our view of irresistible grace. We are told to take off the Calvinist "lenses" of divine determinisim. In this podcast, Dr. Sean Cole asks Provisionists to take off their lenses of libertarian free will and see how we derive our theology directly from the text of Scripture. Why do Calvinists believe in sovereign regeneration that precedes faith? Because both Jesus and Paul teach it explicitly. Sean deals with certain "proof texts" Provisionists like Leighton Flowers uses to disprove irresistible grace. Listen and enjoy, www.seancole.net

How do you discern the will of God? How do you make wise decisions? Pastor Sean explores two chapters in 1 Samuel that basically involve the same issues and there must be a reason that the Holy Spirit put them in the Bible twice. David is tempted to take Saul's life and choose not to. After explaining these two passages, Pastor Sean gives SIX principles for making wise decisions. www.seancole.net

We live in a pluralistic age where all paths lead to God. What does Jesus have to say about this false view of reality? In Luke 13:22-30, Pastor Sean preaches these four main truths from this passage: (1) God is under no obligation to save anyone. (2) Jesus is the only way of salvation. (3O Many will be shut out in eternal hell for not entering through the narrow gate. (4) A massive multitude from all nations will enjoy heaven with Jesus. Here’s the most important question of your life: Have you entered through the narrow door? www.seancole.net

In 1 Samuel 23, David is betrayed by two groups: (1) The city of Keilah, and (2) The Ziphites. He has to run for his life in the dessert hills with King Saul hunting him down. The Lord saves David and gives him rest in the oasis of Engedi. It is here that David pens Psalm 54. He cries out to the LORD to help him in this dark time of his life. What does it feel like to be betrayed? Dr. Sean Cole shows us how Jesus is the Upholder of our lives. www.seancole.net

Pastor Gabriel Hughes from When We Understand the Text (WWUTT) debated Leighton Flowers on the expository understanding of John 6:44. Pastor Gabe did a great job. Sometimes, Calvinists are not familiar with the Provisionist system or arguments. Dr. Sean Cole interacts with John 6 and provides SIX questions he would ask Leighton or a Provisionist in a cross-examination on John 6:44. What are the real points of contention between the Reformed view and the Provisionist view. Why is it important to understand the other side when interacting and debating? Listen and enjoy. www.seancole.net

In Luke 13:18-21, Jesus tells two parables concerning the Kingdom of God--the mustard seed and yeast. How does God grow His Kingdom? The Kingdom of God starts out small and seemingly insignificant. It grows secretly and internally. It grows supernaturally. And it grows gradually and sometimes slower than we want it. Listen as Dr. Sean Cole preaches God's sovereignty over His Kingdom and the part we play in this. www.seancole.net

In 1 Samuel 18, we see two responses to the anointed King David: (1) devotion from Jonathan and (2) Denial from Saul. We see either honor or hatred. We also see a good example of what a godly friendship looks like. We also see how jealousy can lead to sinful paranoia. Dr. Sean Cole does take an excursion in this teaching and addresses the issue of God sending an evil spirit to torment Saul. How can God ordain evil without being the author of evil? How do primary and secondary causation work in God's providential ruling of history.? Listen and enjoy. www.seancole.net

Dr. Sean Cole interacts with a few arguments made by Provisionists against Total Inability. if Total Inability is true, why would Satan have to blindfold a corpse? It would be redundant and unnecessary. Why did Jesus speak in parables to hide truth from those who are already born unable to hear, see, and understand? Why does God judicially harden those who are already born hardened? Let's jump into the deep end of this ongoing debate between Calvinism and Provisionism. www.seancole.net

Jesus heals a disabled women in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Her physical condition paints a picture of the spiritual condition of all sinners before salvation--they are totally unable to save themselves and need the sovereign grace of Jesus. As a paretn of a disable son, Pastor Sean encourages us to have compassion on those with special needs and to love with action. www.seancole.net

What does it mean to repent? What does it mean to perish? Is there a limit to God's patience? How should we respond to moral evil and natural disasters that take people's lives? Dr. Sean Cole answers these questions and more in this sermon from Luke 13:1-6 www.seancole.net

The familiar narrative of David and Goliath has been misunderstood by many over the years. You are not David who needs to kill your giants. You are Israel---a weak, powerless people on the sidelines who need a mediator to stand in the gap and fight the enemy. Listen as Dr. Sean Cole teaches some insights from 1 Samuel 17 that you may have never heard before. www.seancole.net

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 clearly teaches the doctrine of predestination, effectual calling, regeneration, and saving faith. Dr. Sean Cole provides an exposition of this passage with some insights from John Calvin and Charles Spurgeon. He also addresses the question of why we should pray and do evangelism if God has got it all figured out in predestination. Paul answers this in 2 Thessalonians 3:1-6. We apologize for the audio quality change at around the 31-minute mark. We had some technical difficulties we did not catch until after we recored. www.seancole.net

Jesus tells a parable to warn His hearers about their guilt before a holy God. If you don't settle accounts with God before you die, it will be too late. You will be sentenced to the eternal prison of hell. Make PEACE with God before it's too late! www.seancole.net

Pastor Sean started a new Wednesday night Bible study on the life of King David. This introductory session focuses on the downfall of King Saul in 1 Samuel 15. What does blinding pride look like in a "religious" person? Why did God ordain the genocide of the Amalekites? How can God "regret" that He made Saul king? Pastor Sean addresses these controversial topics and more in this study. www.seancole.net

Does the Bible "whisper" about sexual sins? In solidarity with Canadian pastors and at the encouragement of Dr. John MacArthur, Pastor Sean joined other American pastors to preach on what the Bible clearly says about human sexuality. The conversion therapy bill called C-4 went into effect this week. A pastor could potentially be imprisoned up to 5 years for preaching against homosexuality and transgenderism. Pastor Sean starts in Genesis 1 with God's original plan of human sexuality and marriage. Then he does an explanation of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Listen to this very timely and hard-hitting sermon. www.seancole.net

The cross of Christ creates division. How do we reconcile these words from Jesus who is the Prince of Peace? Dr. Sean Cole addresses three truths that emerge from this passage. First, let us rejoice in Jesus' finished work on the cross. Second, let us expect the opposition that will come because of the cross. Third, let us look forward to the ultimate peace Jesus will bring at His Second Coming. www.seancole.net

As we begin 2022, Pastor Sean Cole preached a challenge from Deuteronomy 4:1-8. Submission and obedience to God's Word brings tremendous blessings. In this passage, Moses exhorts the new generation to listen and obey God's Word as they enter the Promised Land. What is your response to God's Word in 2022? www.seancole.net