Word of God, Speak

06/11/2026

Do we really believe in the sovereignty of God?

Most of us answer, "Of course I do." But believing in God's sovereignty is much more than affirming a theological doctrine or winning debates.

In this video, I introduce "The Sovereignty Test"—a practical, Bible-based self-examination designed us evaluate whether we are living under God's sovereign rule. Through ten thought-provoking statements drawn from Scripture, you'll be challenged to consider your attitudes toward gratitude, worry, forgiveness, generosity, obedience, contentment, suffering, and even death itself.

Whether you identify as Reformed, Arminian, Calvinist, Non-Calvinist, or simply a follower of Jesus Christ, this study moves beyond theological labels and asks a deeper question: Is the sovereignty of God merely a doctrine you defend, or is it a reality that governs your life?

-c4v

06/05/2026

I need your help!

I am working on my third book with its working title of "Sovereign Story." In it I will deal with the Calvinist doctrines of Unconditional Election, Total Depravity, and Irrestible Grace.

I have created a conversation between "Reformed Robert" and "Non-Reformed Nick" dealing with one aspect of the doctrine of election. I have posted their conversation below.

Please provide any comments about their conversation. Have I misrepresented either side? Please note: I am NOT looking for, "Way to go, Jonathan, you really put them in their place!" Nor am I looking for, "You idiot, you just don't understand Calvinism." Please refrain from unhelpful rhetoric.

At the end of the conversation, I ask a question. Please provide a suggestion on where the conversation should go from that point.
Thanks so much!

Nick – Hi Robert, it’s good to see you and spend time with you today, my brother!
Robert – Good to see you also, Nick.
Nick – “Can we pray and ask our Lord to bless this conversation?”
Robert – Yes, let’s do that.
(Lord, help us today to have kind and gracious words with each other. Help us to grow in our understanding of your word and cause us to love each other as you have loved us. In Jesus name. Amen!)
Nick – Robert, many believe that God chose people for salvation based on his foreknowledge of their accepting him. What do you think about that idea?
Robert – As a Calvinist, I reject that idea. God’s election of peole for salvation is unconditional. It is not based on anything that God foresees in us – any innate goodness (which is not possible) or even any foreseen faith. It is 100% unconditional.
Nick – So, if God’s election of us is unconditional, on what basis does he choose one over the other?
Robert – No one knows. It is a mystery of the divine will.
Nick – Many have accused Calvinist theology of presenting God as arbitrary. He chooses one. He bypasses another.
Robert – No, it is not arbitrary.
Nick – But how do you know it is not arbitrary? If the basis of God’s choice is unknown, isn’t it possible that there could be no basis at all and that the choice, after all, is arbitrary. Maybe God is flipping some kind of celestial coin – “heads you’re in and tails you’re out.”
Robert – We can say with assurance that that is not the case. God is not arbitrary.
Nick – But if the basis for God’s election is unknown, how do you know that it is not arbitrary?
Robert – We know that it is not arbitrary because of what we know of God from his word. God’s election would not be arbitrary because we know that God is not arbitrary. He is consistent in his character. He is perfectly just, and he is perfectly love. Flipping a celestial coin would not present a picture of God as he reveals himself in his word.
Nick – Well stated and thank you for that. I agree with you that God would not act in such a way. Now, just to reiterate, what you are doing is qualifying the unknown based on what we do know about God in his word, correct?
Robert – Yes, that’s right.
Nick – We non-reformed believers say the same thing. We accept some doctrines and reject others based on what we know of God’s character as revealed in his word. With this in mind, we don’t believe God elects unconditionally because of what we know of his character. A perfectly loving God would not bypass people for salvation if he knew he could save them. That would not be the loving thing to do. Nor would it be the just thing to do – to be able to save them, to offer them salvation but refuse to do what is necessary to save them. He would be offering something that he doesn’t really intend on giving them. That would not be righteous. Those scenarios do not cohere with what we all know about God who has revealed himself to us in his word. That is why we do not believe that election is unconditional, and that is why we do not have to resort to “Well, it’s a mystery,” when presented with the conundrum of why God elects one and not the other to salvation based solely on his will.

Question – what does Reformed Robert say at this point? See less

05/15/2026

How sad it is that our Calvinist brethren have taken one episode from the life of a sinful man and promoted it as a paradigm to teach that God eternally hates a (large) group of people that theologians call the "non-elect."

As you know I am referring to Esau's failure in the birthright. Yes, he sinned gravely, and he had other sins, including wanting to murder his brother, Jacob. But that was not the end of the story! Esau and Jacob reconciled! And when Isaac, their father, died, the brothers buried him in peace. Though the generations to come would show animosity between the descendants of the brothers, God always planned to include the Edomites in his family ... and did!

Today I release Episode 7 of The Edomite Enigma. As you watch, be encouraged that the beautiful ending of this story is the paradigm for us to follow. God wants to reconcile. God will reconcile and make all things good in the end.

https://youtu.be/Lbp8t70Nwrw

did the story of Jacob and Esau conclude? And what are its implications for our interpretation of Paul's words in ...

05/07/2026

We are back to The Edomite Enigma - my insights on Romans 9:10-13 based upon my PhD dissertation. Should we let centuries later theology guide our interpretation of Paul's words? Or should we let the story of Jacob and Esau and the history of their descendants - Israel and Edom - be our guide? You be the judge.

In previous episodes, we worked our way from the Jerusalem Council to the words of the prophets concerning Edom, and to the encounter between Israel and Edom in the wilderness. Now, we arrive at "Ground Zero - the story of Jacob and Esau." Many surprises await.

We release it tomorrow, May 8. Watch, learn, and be edified.
-c4v

04/30/2026

By the time Jesus entered his ministry, there were several ways his people were advocating as "the true way" to be a faithful son of Abraham and a true Israelite. I'm sure you've heard of them.

There was the Pharisee version - focus on the Law and the Traditions of the Elders.

There was the Sadducee version - consolidate power in the Temple and compromise with the power of Rome.

There was the Essene version - withdraw from all the corruption and establish a community of purity in the wilderness.

There was the Zealot version - pick up the sword and fight Rome.
Jesus didn't fit any of them! He had a different way, a better way, and God raise him from the dead.

Resurrection Vision! - Jesus, the True Son of Abraham. We release it tonight. Watch, learn, and be edified.
https://www.youtube.com/-c4v

04/16/2026

After Jesus rose, he stayed with his disciples 40 days encouraging them, teaching them, and preparing them for the future. Although our Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday services are finished, we can live in the reality of the resurrection daily.

With this in mind, I am presenting the third of ten videos on the meaning of the resurrection. I used to teach that the resurrection has two meanings. Years of study and reflection showed me there are ten! Do you know them all?

Tonight, Thursday April 16, I release "The Resurrection: God's Answer for Our Suffering and Injustices." Watch, learn, be encouraged, and pass it on to others.

The Easter Bunny has come and gone! Jesus lives and is Lord of heaven and earth! -c4v

04/09/2026

Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday are over. Back to the same old routines, right? Wrong! If Jesus has risen from the dead, he is alive today. He is working today and wanting us to experience his resurrection life and power.

Years ago, I wrote a book called Resurrection Vision where I listed ten meanings for the resurrection. I have recorded two of these ten meanings for you.

https://www.youtube.com/-c4v

04/03/2026

In history, many have faced death with courage. From the philosopher Socrates, calmly drinking the cup of hemlock… to the Jewish martyrs under Antiochus Epiphanes, enduring unimaginable suffering… to faithful Christians who sang and prayed as flames rose around them…. They all died with bravery.

But no one died like Jesus. Why did the One who healed the sick, raised the dead, and commanded the winds fall to the ground in sorrow in Gethsemane? Why did He cry out in anguish instead of facing death with calm resolve? The answer takes us deep into the heart of the Gospel.

https://www.youtube.com/-c4v

03/27/2026

Today we released Episode 5 of The Edomite Enigma - "Face Off in the Desert." Israel was on its way to the promised land. Edom stood in its way. God gave Israel specific instructions about the Edomites. What were those instructions and how do they inform our understanding of Romans 9? In this episode you will discover stunning words that call into question the Calvinist interpretation of Romans 9.

Watch it here:

It was a faceoff in the desert. Israel was on its way to the promised land. Edom stood in its way. God gave Israel specific instructions about the Edomites. ...