Biblical Talks with Elder Michael Tolliver Podcast
When the term Reformed theology is used, it often refers to something less historical. Often it refers to a theology that acknowledges the doctrine of predestination and holds to a high view of the Bible as God’s inerrant Word. Sometimes it is also identified with the so-called five points of Calvinism: total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of the saints. These are all important teachings of the Reformed tradition, but they do not fully encapsulate or describe Reformed theology.A better starting place is five statements that have been called the five solas of th...
Biblical Talks Encouraging Word for the Week, with Rachel Tolliver, Divine Determination
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Welcome to Biblical Talks Encouraging Word for the Week, I am Rachel Tolliver,
“Perseverance of the Saints? That’s not just doctrine—it’s divine determination! What God starts, He finishes. What He touches, He transforms. What He births, He brings to full term. Psalm 138:8 declares it loud and clear: ‘The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me!’ That means your life ain’t random, your struggle ain’t wasted, and your story ain’t over.
His love endures forever—so don’t you dare think He’s d...
Sermon of the Week: God’s Foreknowledge Is Personal Love Not Just Facts; R.C. Sproul
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God’s foreordination—His predestination, whether working through history, providence, or the saving of a single soul—is always presented in Scripture as a holy mystery, a depth so rich in wisdom and knowledge that no human mind can ever hope to sound its bottom (Rom. 11:33–34).
And when Paul meets the objectors in Romans 9, he does not try to explain away what lies beyond human reach. He does not attempt to give a rationale for the secret things of God. Instead, he falls back on...
A Spotlight on the Scriptures: Amos 5:21-24: When Worship Rings Hollow And Love Goes Quiet
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This is a Spotlight on the Scriptures: Amos 5:21-24 I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them. Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps, I will not listen. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Saints, hear me: Go...
Deep Dive: Understanding Total Depravity: Human Nature, Grace, And the Stakes of Getting It Wrong
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Elder Michael Tolliver examines the theological doctrine of total depravity, arguing that sin has thoroughly corrupted every aspect of human nature. The text asserts that this condition is not merely about outward actions but a systemic spiritual deadness that renders individuals unable to seek or please God independently. Tolliver critiques modern efforts to soften this reality, suggesting that downplaying human sinfulness inevitably diminishes the glory of the Gospel and the necessity of the cross. By drawing on various biblical passages and historical confessions, he illustrates that recognizing...
Biblical Talks Encouraging Word for the Week, with Rachel Tolliver
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Welcome to Biblical Talks Encouraging Word for the Week, I am Rachel Tolliver,
You might feel weak, but your faith is anchored. Because when God decides to keep you, not even hell can snatch you! You don’t have the power to fall when God is determined to hold!”
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Sermon of the Week: The God of All Grace; Alistair Begg
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The Christian life is not a straight line—it’s a winding road, a twisting journey marked by seasons of doubt, despair, and deep weakness. But Peter, writing to scattered believers across what we now call Turkey, lifts his voice to say, “Stand firm in the grace of God.”
In these closing verses of chapter 5, Peter sounds like a pastor who knows pain is real. He doesn’t sugarcoat it. He doesn’t pretend believers won’t suffer. He t...
A Spotlight on the Scriptures: Proverbs 25: Stop Being the Storm And Start Bringing Shade
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This is a Spotlight on the Scriptures: Proverbs 25: The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks. It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife. Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory. A man without...
Deep Dive: The Solitariness of God And the End of Vibes-Based Faith
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Elder Michael Tolliver regarding the solitariness and supremacy of God, emphasizing that true theology is the essential pursuit of knowing Him as He has revealed Himself. The author argues that God is entirely self-sufficient and independent, existing in perfect glory long before creation and requiring nothing from humanity or the universe. Because God is in a class by Himself, He cannot be understood through human reason or worldly comparisons but only through the Holy Spirit and the lens of Scripture. The discourse maintains t...
Biblical Talks Encouraging Word for the Week, with Rachel Tolliver, Standing on Unshakable Scripture When Culture Shifts
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Welcome to Biblical Talks Encouraging Word for the Week, I am Rachel Tolliver,
Psalm 119:89 doesn’t whisper—it declares:
“Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.”
That means God’s Word isn’t up for debate. It’s not shifting with culture. It’s not bending to trends. It’s settled—fixed, firm, and final. Not settled on earth where opinions change, but settled in heaven where truth reigns.
So, when the world tries to rewrite righteousness, when s...
Sermon of the Week: Counterfeit Christianity; Charles Spurgeon
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“I Never Knew You” — A Wake‑Up Call to the Church
Most people in hell were absolutely convinced they were on their way to heaven. They sat in church. They lifted their hands. They sang the hymns. They prayed the prayers. They spoke the name of Jesus with confidence. But on the last day, they heard four words that shattered every illusion:
“I never knew you.”
(Matthew 7:21–23)
This is not a comforting message.
This is not a soothing message.
This is a warning
A Spotlight on the Scriptures Psalms 51:10-13 Clean Heart, Steadfast Spirit
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This is a Spotlight on the Scriptures: Psalms 51:10-13 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.
When David cried out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” and pleaded, “Take not thy Holy Spirit from me,” he wasn’t worried ab...
