"Strengthening the Church in the Comfort of the Gospel." From the Classroom is a podcast produced by Heidelberg Theological Seminary, located in Sioux Falls, SD. www.heidelbergseminary.org
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Training Our Minds ”to think God’s thoughts after Him” began as a small Sunday school class going through the Heidelberg Catechism at Seventh Reformed Church. Once the class finished, Ben began the Worldviews Evangelism Counseling (WEC) class to help equip members to engage with the culture and share their faith with those who embrace different worldviews. Both classes are being made available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Ben Bessett, Director of Outreach and Pastoral Care since May 2021, ...
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What roles does Christ perform? Why does Jesus sometimes say He doesn't know the day or the hour of the end times? Why does He refer to God as His Father? Is Jesus not God? All this and more in this episode!
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The Trinity is a complex and difficult concept to understand. Ben defines what it is and offers different ways to defend the doctrine of the Trinity from the many worldviews trying to attack it.
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This is one of the greatest proofs we have on the authenticity of Scripture that talks about one of the prophecies of Scripture being fulfilled. We also talk about one of the controversies regarding the difference between the time of the crucifixion in Mark's gospel and the time of Jesus' trial in John's gospel.…
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"My sister has spinal meningitis. They do not think she will live past Easter. What kind of a God is this?" Let's say that you were given this statement by a friend. Do you pound them with theological principles right away? Give them scripture? Or just listen to them? How should a reformed Christian evangelize a person in grief? Find out on this ep…
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"Persuasion happens not in the abstract but in the particular. Our social imaginary shapes the way we experience the world, interpret events, reason, and make decisions. Yet many apologists still give only a polite nod, if that, to the social imagination of the late moderns." ~ The Augustine Way by Chatraw and Allen…
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How do we know the Bible is the Word of God?
38:57
38:57
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Christians claim the Bible is God's Word, but how can we justify that? What is necessary in order for the Bible to be God's Word?
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How do you read a history book? Philosophy book? Does you interpretation of the book match my interpretation of the book? Let's say someone said this to you one day; that we can't know for sure what we did to Japan in World War II was right or wrong. Refute them... Go.
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Common Objections to Slavery in the Bible (Part 2)
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36:11
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How is God going to work with a rebellious people that break His commandments? A harsh near-East culture that endorses slavery, divorce, and misogyny?
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Common Objections to Slavery in the Bible (Part 1)
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37:03
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The New Atheist Sam Harris says that it's just an inconvenient fact that slavery is endorsed in the Bible. How would you respond to such a statement?
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Philosophy must be in service of theology. When this happens, man does not determine reality, but discovers it as the Holy Spirit reveals it to him through Scripture.
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The Systematic Filtration of the Christian Worldview (1859-2024)
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42:50
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The Christians are losing to the New Atheists who don't even have a solid foundation or grip on justifying their truth. This is the history of the subtle descent from Christianity to Atheism via Theological Liberalism.
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What makes it easy for people to win debates? Perhaps if they're begging the question. But that's not how we are supposed to rationalize our arguments. What is begging the question? What are some examples of begging the question?
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What makes it easy for people to win debates? Perhaps if they're begging the question. But that's not how we are supposed to rationalize our arguments. What is begging the question? What are some examples of begging the question?
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How should we evangelize? Join Ben Bessett as he teaches Worldviews Evangelism Counseling (WEC) class at Seventh Reformed Church.
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How would you articulate the difference between natural revelation and special revelation? Is there a difference between natural law, natural revelation, and the sensus divinitatis? How would you use natural law in answering the question about what happens to people who die who have never heard the Gospel?…
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Are you Stagnant in Christ? 1 Corinthians Sermon Series 3:1–4
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1 Corinthians Sermon Series 3:1–4Stagnant is defined as a body of water having no current or flow, often giving an unpleasant smell. As Christians, we have the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, we have been forgiven of all our sins. This is a wonderful blessing, but we also must be aware that we can still act and think as the world does. No, t…
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1 Corinthians Series #4: Human Wisdom vs. God’s Wisdom
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1 Corinthians Sermon Series: 2:1–16Ever since the fall in Genesis 3, we have seen the battle between the wisdom of God vs. the wisdom of this world. Humanity naturally opposes God. It naturally places itself at the center and interprets all things from this perspective. It wants to be the source of all wisdom. The apostle Paul is telling the Corint…
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1 Corinthians Series #3: The World’s Wisdom vs. God’s Folishness
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1 Corinthians Sermon Series: 1:17–31The wisdom of this world has been at odds with its own Creator since the fall of mankind in Genesis 3. Human beings, because of their own pride and enmity, think they are the centerpiece of the universe. Belief in Jesus Christ is utter nonsense to them. Humanity looks for wisdom, but not God's wisdom. They desire…
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1 Corinthians Series #2: Pride and Division in the Church
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1 Corinthians Sermon Series: 1:10–17It should come as no surprise that pride and division exist within the Christian community. Why is this? Because we all bring our sin nature with us when we walk through the door. Churches have divisions because churches are made up of sinful people. It's that simple. The key is to recognize this, to be aware of …
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Irresistible Grace | WEC Episode 21
1:08:38
1:08:38
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"One of the most dramatic moments in my life for the shaping of my theology took place in a seminary classroom. One of my professors went to the blackboard and wrote these words in bold letters: Regeneration Precedes Faith." —R.C. SproulStudy NotesBy Ben Bessett
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"The blood of Christ hath such a divine power to save, that nothing but it can ever save the soul." —Charles SpurgeonStudy NotesBy Ben Bessett
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What Is The Reason For And Our Response To Salvation? (Heidelberg Catechism #2)
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In this episode, Dr. Maynard Koerner walks us through the second Heidelberg Catechism question and answer in which we learn the reason for and response to our salvation as it so concisely but profoundly explains, which also outlines the entirety of the catechism as an aid to understanding the Christian faith. Ready to answer the call to ministry? C…
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How Do We Discern What Is Sin? (Heidelberg Catechism #3)
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4:34
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How do we discern what is and isn’t sin? In this episode, Dr. Maynard Koerner discusses the importance of knowing our need for a Savior through the third question and answer, and the first categorical section, of the Heidelberg Catechism. Ready to answer the call to ministry? Contact HTS: www.heidelbergseminary.org/admissions/contact-us/ Heidelberg…
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What Is It That God Has Done That We Can Be Saved? (cont. Heidelberg Catechism #1)
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4:09
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In this episode, Dr. Maynard Koerner discusses what exactly it is that God has done so that we can be saved as he features the first and most beloved question and answer in the entire Heidelberg Catechism while also touching on the Gospel of Christianity compared to the philosophies of other world religions. Ready to answer the call to ministry? Co…
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What is meant by "Unconditional" Election?Study NotesBy Ben Bessett
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As the salt flavors every drop in the Atlantic, so does sin affect every atom of our nature. —Charles SpurgeonStudy NotesBy Ben Bessett
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Circular reasoning is often considered a fallacy because it is usually random and not specific; such as: "the Bible is true because the Bible says so." But, it can be reasonable if it goes beyond a simple circle: "since God inspired Scripture, the Bible is true."Study NotesBy Ben Bessett
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Historical Introduction to TULIP | WEC Episode 17
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39:10
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If we don't understand that there is no one who is righteous, there is no one who does good, there is no one who seeks God, then we don't understand our need for grace.Study NotesBy Ben Bessett
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1 Corinthians Series #1: The Blessings of God to His Church
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32:36
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1 Corinthians Sermon Series: 1:1–9September 10, 2023By Ben Bessett
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Philippians Series #13: Learning the Secret of Being Content
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42:56
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Why do we struggle with being content in life? What problems may arise out of this?In what ways do people misinterpret, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me?"What is the difference between being content and being stoic?Philippians Sermon Series: 4:10–28August 6, 2023By Ben Bessett
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Philippians Series #12: Barricading Our Anxiety
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39:34
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Why do we experience anxiety, and what does the Bible have to say about this?What is the cause of it?What does this say about our walk with God if we are continually being pushed around from one worry to another?Philippians Sermon Series: 4:1–8July 30, 2023By Ben Bessett
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Counseling and the Problem of Evil (Part 2) | WEC Episode 16
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7:27
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One day, Jesus must ensure that all suffering will end. Judgment will come. But who is going to be our intercessor? Who can be our bronze snake?Study NotesBy Ben Bessett
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Philippians Series #11: Being Balanced in the Presence
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39:25
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Correctly handling the pastCorrectly handling the presentCorrectly focused on the futurePhilippians Sermon Series: 3:12–20July 23, 2023By Ben Bessett
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Counseling and the Problem of Evil (Part 1) | WEC Episode 16
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27:08
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The existence of evil breaks a person down to the question of ultimate authority in life. Study NotesBy Ben Bessett
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Philippians Series #10: What Are You Living For?
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35:53
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Guard YourselvesPaul's Past Resume (Identity)Paul's Great Exchange (New Identity)Philippians Sermon Series: 3:1–11July 9, 2023By Ben Bessett
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Open Theism | The Problem of Evil (Part 4) | WEC Episode 15
30:27
30:27
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What is "Open Theism" and how does scripture answer the questions that arise from its beliefs. Study NotesBy Ben Bessett
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A Profession of Faith: The Heidelberg Catechism (ft. Q&A #1) | Series Ep. 001
4:36
4:36
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The authors of the Heidelberg Catechism captured rich, scripture-rooted theology, providing tools for understanding and sharing the Gospel message. In this first episode, Dr. Koerner opens the study with the beloved first question and answer as a succinct statement of the Gospel and a personal statement of faith. Ready to answer the call to ministr…
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Philippians Series #9: Character Built through Sanctification
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39:43
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What is character?How does the process of sanctification build on character?How does the Apostle Paul explain this in his own life, the life of Timothy, and also that of Epaphroditus?Philippians Sermon Series: 2:19–30June 4, 2023By Ben Bessett
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Philippians Sermon Series: 2:12–18April 30, 2023 PM ServiceBy Ben Bessett
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Arminianism | The Problem of Evil (Part 3) | WEC Episode 14
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32:01
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The Free Will Defense. Study NotesBy Ben Bessett
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Philippians Series #7: The Only Way to Exaltation
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41:07
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Philippians Sermon Series: 2:9–11April 30, 2023 AM ServiceBy Ben Bessett
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Our Lord, the only-begotten Son of God.Study Notes #1Study Notes #2By Ben Bessett
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Philippians Series #6: The Mindset of Humility
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32:17
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The willingness to goThe willingness to becomeThe willingness to suffer and diePhilippians Sermon Series: 2:5–8April 16, 2023By Ben Bessett
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Calvinism | The Problem of Evil (Part 2) | WEC Episode 13
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47:55
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Understanding Calvinism and looking at the two most common objections. Study NotesBy Ben Bessett
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The Mindset of Unity | Philippians Series 5
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32:23
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Does my mindset reflect what Paul says in verse 2?How deep is my compassion for my church family?What sin do I bring to the table that may disrupt the unity within the church?In what areas do I need to work on within my heart to become more humble?Philippians Sermon Series: 2:1–4April 9, 2023By Ben Bessett
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Philippians Series #4: Life’s True Meaning and Purpose
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30:42
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Philippians Sermon Series: 1:21–30March 26, 2023By Ben Bessett
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Philippians Series #3: Building Our Character Through Joy
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33:32
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How did the Apostle Paul respond to the roadblocks that came his way?How do you respond within your heart when you face difficult circumstances?Does your heart need to change here, and if so, how?How do you respond to interpersonal difficulties with people within the church?Does your heart need to change during times of conflict with others, and if…
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Philippians Series #2: Eternally Secure in Christ
30:43
30:43
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How does the process of salvation work?Does the unregenerate person ever seek after God?Why can't a person lose their salvation?What is the only reason why a believer can have hope in their eternal security?Why would a person think they could lose their salvation?Philippians Sermon Series: 1:6January 8, 2023…
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The Problem of Evil (Part 1) | WEC Episode 12
31:24
31:24
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If God is all powerful and all loving, why does evil exist? Study NotesBy Ben Bessett
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Philippians Series #1: Suffering Together Joyously
32:58
32:58
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While waiting on more lessons on the Heidelberg Catechism to be produced, we will post each Tuesday a sermon on Ben's series in Philippians.Philippians 1:1–11December 25, 2022By Ben Bessett
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