Ask Ligonier

Why Are There Times When I Don’t Feel like Praying?

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Prayer is a great blessing, but it can be a challenge to prioritize sometimes. Today, Burk Parsons helps us get to the root of this struggle, encourag...

How Did the Doctrine of the Trinity Develop in the Early Church?

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The doctrine of the Trinity is central to the Christian faith. Today, Stephen Nichols tells us how early Christian leaders labored tirelessly for the ...

Why Did Jesus Have to Be Baptized?

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Since Jesus is the sinless Savior, why did He ask John to baptize Him? Today, Sinclair Ferguson looks to Scripture to convey how Christ proclaimed the...

What Is Legalism?

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Bible commands us to obey God's law and to live a life that models obedience to Christ. Are there ways that we can take this pursuit in the wrong ...

How Do We Know When Books of the Bible Were Written?

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Bible is not a lofty tale of far-off lands. God's Word contains verifiable records of real people and places in time. Today, Stephen Nichols shows...

Is God’s Love Unconditional?

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Since God is gracious, does that mean His love is unconditional? Today, Derek Thomas helps us think carefully about Scripture's answer to this often-m...

How Can We Grow in Our Relationship with God?

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On the journey of the Christian life, God has provided all the tools we need in order to walk closely with Him. Today, Harry Reeder teaches on how we ...

Why Are There Times When I Don’t Feel like Reading the Bible?

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are times in all of our lives when we struggle to pick up the Bible and read it. Today, Burk Parsons explores several of the reasons behind this...

What Is the Regulative Principle of Worship?

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How should Christians worship when we gather on the Lord's Day? Today, John Tweeddale defines the regulative principle of worship, demonstrating how G...

Why Is It That Only the Father Knows the Day and Hour of the Day of Judgement?

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Since Jesus is divine, why did He say that only the Father knows the day of His return? Today, W. Robert Godfrey considers how the relationship betwee...

What Is Prayer?

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As Christians, we have the gift of communing with our sovereign heavenly Father through prayer. Today, Derek Thomas explores different types of prayer...

If God Created Everything, How Is It That God Didn't Create Evil?

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Since God did not create evil, where did it come from? Today, Michael Reeves helps us think through this challenging subject by illustrating the diffe...

What Does It Mean That God Is “Without Parts”?

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Westminster Confession of Faith says that God is "without body, parts, or passions." Today, Sinclair Ferguson discusses what this statement means ...

What Makes Christianity Unique?

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What makes Christianity stand apart from all other major world religions? Today, Harry Reeder describes how Christ's atonement for our sins lies at th...

What Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Holy Spirit dwells within every Christian, comforting us and enabling us to grow in grace every day. Today, Derek Thomas explains what the baptism...

What Does It Mean That the Son Can Do Nothing of His Own Accord?

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can Jesus do anything without consulting the Father? Today on the Ask Ligonier podcast, listen as Stephen Nichols offers two theological starting poin...

Why Are There So Many Denominations in the Church?

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are many different denominations that make up the church of Jesus Christ. Today on the Ask Ligonier podcast, listen as Harry Reeder describes so...

Will We Recognize Our Friends and Family in Heaven?

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It can be unsettling to think about whether or not we will recognize our loved ones in eternity. Today on the Ask Ligonier podcast, listen as Derek Th...

Is Speaking in Tongues Evidence of Having the Holy Spirit?

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

At what point does the Holy Spirit enter into a Christian's life? Today on the Ask Ligonier podcast, John Tweeddale explains how the Bible's answer to...

Does Jesus Have One Will or Two?

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The question of whether Jesus has one will or two is closely related to a similar question about the natures of Christ. Today on the Ask Ligonier podc...

Should Christians Read the Apocryphal Books?

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Should Christians read texts that were intentionally excluded from the canon of Scripture? Today, listen as Stephen Nichols offers advice to anyone in...

What Does It Mean to Present Our Bodies as Living Sacrifices to God?

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Romans 12:1, Paul instructs Christians to glorify God with our bodies. Today, listen as Harry Reeder teaches on the scriptural context of this pass...

What Is Covenant Theology?

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do the covenants found in Scripture shape our theology? Today, listen as Sinclair Ferguson demonstrates how understanding covenant theology can gi...

What Was God Doing before Creation?

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can we know what God was doing before He created the world? Today, listen as Michael Reeves helps us see that there is an answer from Scripture to thi...

How Should Christians View the Imprecatory Psalms?

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What are the imprecatory psalms? How should we apply them to our Christian lives today? Today, W. Robert Godfrey provides guidelines for interpreting ...

Does God Love Everybody?

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Bible teaches that "God is love" (1 John 4:8). Does God love everyone He created in His image? Does He love all people in the same way? Today, Der...

What Does It Mean That the First Seven Church Councils Were Ecumenical?

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What were the ecumenical councils of the early church? Today, Stephen Nichols explains what these church councils were, why they assembled, and how th...

What Are the Qualifications of a Pastor?

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

All Christians should have a desire to tell others about the truth of God, but not everyone is qualified to be a pastor. Today, Harry Reeder identifie...

If You Could Read Only One Author from Church History, Who Would It Be and Why?

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Lord has raised up many teachers and authors over the centuries who have greatly helped the church through their writings. Today, John Tweeddale i...

Was Adam a Historical Person?

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Was Adam a real individual who lived in space and time, or was he merely a fictional character who represents the human race? Today, Derek Thomas expr...

Why Are Some Demons Only Able to Be Cast Out by Prayer (Mark 9:29)?

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jesus told His disciples that some demons can only be cast out by prayer (Mark 9:29). Why is this? Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers how Christ calls...

In What Way Is Christ Presently Reigning over the Church?

18 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

According to 1 Corinthians 15:25, Jesus "must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet." In what way is Christ reigning right now? Today,...

Did Jesus Empty Himself of Divinity in the Incarnation (Phil. 2:7)?

11 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Did Jesus set aside some of His divine attributes when He assumed a human nature in the incarnation? Today, Stephen Nichols responds to a common misun...

What Book Would You Recommend to a New Christian?

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new Christian, it can be daunting to find the right resources to help you grow in your faith. Today, John Tweeddale recommends three books...

Is Tithing for Today?

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the Old Testament, the ancient Israelites were commanded to give a tenth of their increase to the Lord. Is this a requirement for modern Christians...

What Is the Purpose and Benefit of Gathering for Corporate Worship?

21 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why is it so important for the church to gather together for corporate worship? Today, Harry Reeder explains Scripture's teaching about gathered worsh...

What Does Genesis 6:6 Mean When It Says That God Repented?

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Bible teaches that God does not change (Mal. 3:6). How should we interpret other passages that describe Him as repenting (Gen. 6:6)? Today, Sincla...

Is It Possible That We Have Entertained Angels Today (Heb. 13:2)?

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hebrews 13:2 instructs us to show hospitality to strangers, "for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Is it possible that Christians today ...

Did Jesus Take On Our Sin Nature?

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In taking on our humanity, Jesus sympathizes with our weakness (Heb. 4:15). But wouldn't Christ also need to assume our sinful nature for Him to be te...

Why Did God Prevent Israelites with Physical Deformities from Approaching the Altar?

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why were priests with physical deformities prohibited from offering sacrifices in the Old Testament? Today, Sinclair Ferguson explains the marvelous l...

Why Did Testing Come to Job?

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scripture describes Job as a godly and upright man. Why did he need to endure so much pain and loss? Today, Derek Thomas addresses the problem of suff...

Who Were the Nephilim?

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Genesis 6, we read of the "sons of God" intermarrying with the "daughters of man," as well as characters called the "Nephilim" who lived in the lan...

Should I Stay in a Solid Church in Which I Haven’t Built a Community?

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Should we remain in a church where God's Word is faithfully preached yet there is little fellowship? Today, Harry Reeder encourages Christians to be p...

In What Way Can the Doctrine of the Trinity Bring Us Delight?

26 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Many people, even Christians, find the doctrine of the Trinity to be obscure. Can this doctrine actually bring us joy? Today, Michael Reeves invites u...

Is Church Discipline Unloving and Harsh?

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When we talk about church discipline, sometimes the idea of heavy-handed punishment comes to mind. Today, Burk Parsons explains that true, biblical ch...

Can a Genuine Christian Experience Depression?

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Christians facing depression can grow discouraged, wondering if their struggle is a sign of spiritual weakness. Today, Ed Welch explains how Scripture...

If You Could Only Read One Christian Author, Who Would It Be?

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The past two millennia of church history have left us a wealth of theological writings and books on Christian spirituality. Today, Ben Shaw identifies...

Is There a Role for Entertainment in the Church?

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some churches have tried to make worship more entertaining as a method of attracting people to the gospel. Should we follow this pattern? Today, W. Ro...

What Happened to the Old Testament Practice of Animal Sacrifice?

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When did the Old Testament practice of animal sacrifice come to an end--and why? Today, Ben Shaw explains why these ancient sacrifices ceased once and...

How Should Christians Go About Finding a Godly Spouse?

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What qualities should single Christians look for in a godly spouse--and where should they go to find someone who meets these characteristics? Today, B...

Can I Overcome My Addiction?

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Christians are not immune to addictions. Is it possible to overcome these vices? Today, Ed Welch identifies principles from Scripture that reveal the ...

What Must I Do to Be Saved?

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Of all the questions we can ask in this world, one stands out as having utmost importance: What must I do to be saved? Today, Derek Thomas expresses t...

Who Is Your Favorite Lesser-Known Reformer?

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Behind Luther, Calvin, and other well-known figures of the Reformation stands an army of men and women whom God used mightily in the 16th century. Tod...

What Kind of Death Is Romans 6:23 Referring To?

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Romans 6:23 teaches that "the wages of sin is death." Does this refer to physical death, spiritual death, or something else? Today, W. Robert Godfrey ...

What Is the Most Neglected Characteristic of Christians?

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What is the most neglected characteristic among Christians in our day? Today, Burk Parsons highlights one Christlike quality that we should be asking ...

How Do We Know If Something Is Sinful?

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If someone were to ask you if their actions are sinful, where would you turn to find the answer? Today, Gabe Fluhrer points us in two directions to he...

What Book Would You Recommend to a New Christian?

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How can new Christians learn to better navigate the Bible? Today, Ben Shaw recommends a helpful and accessible book. Submit a biblical or theological ...

What Were Some of the Differences between Calvin and Luther’s Theology?

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When it came to the gospel and the authority of God's Word, Martin Luther and John Calvin stood in total agreement. But they differed on some theologi...

Where Did the Ultimate Desire for Sin Come From?

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Since God is not the author of evil, where did the first inclination to sin come from? Today, W. Robert Godfrey discusses the Bible's revelation about...

How Can I Find a Good Church?

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What should Christians look for when they're seeking a good church? Today, Burk Parsons discusses the biblical criteria for a sound and spiritually he...

Is My Anxiety Sinful?

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fear and worry are never far from us in a fallen world. How should we think about our anxiety? Is it sinful? Today, Ed Welch reflects on the way Jesus...

Should We Pray to the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit?

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When we pray, should we direct our prayers to the Father, to the Son, or to the Holy Spirit? Today, listen to the way that R.C. Sproul encouraged us t...

Why Is Ezekiel Repeatedly Called the “Son of Man”?

30 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the Gospels, Jesus often calls Himself the "Son of Man." Why does God use this title to address the prophet Ezekiel? Today, Derek Thomas helps us u...

Who Was Saint Nicholas?

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that the legendary figure of Santa Claus is loosely based on a real person? Today, Stephen Nichols introduces us to Saint Nicholas, a bis...

What Is the Significance of Ligonier Ministries’ Mission?

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What drove R.C. Sproul to found Ligonier Ministries 50 years ago in 1971? Today on our 100th episode, W. Robert Godfrey reflects on the critical need ...

How Do We Share the Truth without Being Argumentative?

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We do not need to be hostile in order to make sound arguments for the truth. Today, hear the encouragement R.C. Sproul gave for us to clearly present ...

Why Does 1 Peter 3:21 Say Baptism “Saves You”?

25 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Does 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary in some way for salvation? Today, Derek Thomas poses important principles for interpreting the Bible...

What Does “The Lord Is My Portion” Mean?

11 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

"The LORD is my portion" (Ps. 119:57). We often find this phrase in Scripture. What does it mean to have God as our portion? Today, W. Robert Godfrey ...

Do You Have to Remember the Date and Time of Your Conversion to Know That You’re a Christian?

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In every Christian's conversion, there is a decisive moment when someone who was dead in sin is made alive in Christ. But what if we don't remember wh...

Does Repentance Require Confession?

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Repentance is not simply fear of punishment but godly sorrow over what we have done. Today, hear how R.C. Sproul addressed the relationship between re...

What Does “Sola Scriptura” Mean?

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The principle of "sola Scriptura" is sometimes called the formal cause of the Protestant Reformation. What does this Latin phrase mean? Today, Derek T...

What Is Dispensationalism?

14 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

People often think of dispensationalism as a unique approach to the study of the end times. Today, W. Robert Godfrey reveals that this kind of theolog...

How Can It Be a Choice to Repent and Believe If We’re Chosen by God?

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How can God hold us accountable for repenting and believing since He has chosen who will come to Christ? Today, Stephen Nichols addresses the apparent...

How Can We Find Joy in Prayer, Reading the Bible, and Attending Church?

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The psalmist calls God's Word "my delight" (Ps. 119:24). What should we do when we don't find joy in the Bible or in prayer? Today, Gabe Fluhrer expla...

If We Do Not Witness and Share the Gospel, Will Some People Not Go to Heaven?

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Should our evangelism be motivated by a fear that some of God's people may be lost if we don't share the gospel? Today, hear how R.C. Sproul described...

What Does Paul Mean When He Says, “Be Angry and Do Not Sin” (Eph. 4:26)?

16 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Is it ever right for Christians to be angry? Today, Derek Thomas examines the command in Ephesians 4:26 to "be angry and do not sin." Submit a biblica...

Should We Forgive Someone Who Has Not Repented?

09 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are we required to forgive someone who has sinned against us--even if the offender has not repented? Today, Joel Kim observes how Jesus addressed this...

Does God Hate Christians before They Are Born Again?

02 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Bible teaches that before being brought to Christ, Christians are "children of wrath" (Eph. 2:3). Does that mean God hates His people before they ...

Why Is It Difficult to Evangelize?

26 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The church is called to proclaim the gospel in all the world. But sharing our faith can sometimes make us feel anxious. Today, Burk Parsons gives clar...

Does the Doctrine of Total Depravity Teach That We Have Lost the Image of God?

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Does the doctrine of total depravity teach that sin has destroyed the image of God in humanity? Today, listen to the answer R.C. Sproul gave when he w...

Is It Helpful for Christians to Learn the Lord’s Prayer?

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Should Christians memorize the Lord's Prayer, teach it to their children, and even recite it in public worship? Today, Derek Thomas speaks to the valu...

Am I Not a Christian If I Keep Repeating the Same Sins?

05 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What should we do if we keep repeating the same sins? Is this evidence that we are not actually saved? Today, Burk Parsons speaks on the nature of tru...

What Counsel Would You Give to a Christian Facing Worry?

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fears and frets are commonplace in a world affected by sin. How should Christians avoid falling into the trap of worrying? Today, Gabe Fluhrer provide...

Why Don’t We Have Prophets Today like in the Old Testament?

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Throughout the Old Testament, we meet prophets sent by God to reveal His authoritative truth. Where are the prophets today? Today, Ben Shaw explains t...

What Does It Mean for God to “Prepare a Table before Me in the Presence of My Enemies” (Ps. 23:5)?

15 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Psalm 23, God is portrayed as preparing a table before the psalmist in the presence of his enemies (Ps. 23:5). What should we learn from this vivid...

What Is the Difference between Supralapsarianism and Infralapsarianism?

08 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The doctrine of election raises many questions. How does God's choice to save some people relate to His choice to permit the fall of humanity into sin...

Is It Possible for a Christian to Receive Salvation but Never Experience Sanctification?

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In saving us, God makes us new. Can a person be saved yet not be growing in grace? Today, John MacArthur addresses the important link between salvatio...

What Does It Mean That “They Went Out from Us, But They Were Not of Us”?

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Who are the people who departed from the church in 1 John 2:19? Is the Apostle John writing about Christians who abandoned their faith? Today, Matthew...

If “No One Seeks for God,” Why Did Paul Call His Listeners to Seek God?

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Apostle Paul teaches that "no one seeks for God" (Rom. 3:11). Why, then, did he call the men of Athens to seek the Lord in Acts 17:27? Today, list...

What Does It Mean to “Enter God’s Rest” in Hebrews 3-4?

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The book of Hebrews holds out the promise of "entering God's rest." What does this mean? Today, Derek Thomas engages with this wording found in Hebrew...

What Is Propitiation?

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

"Propitiation" is one of the most important theological words that can help us understand what Jesus accomplished on the cross. So, what does it mean?...

What Does It Mean to Take Up My Cross Daily?

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jesus said that each of His disciples must "take up his cross daily" and follow after Him (Luke 9:23). What does this mean? Today, Joel Kim considers ...

Are There Distinctions of Sin in Hell?

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Every sin is an act of cosmic treason against an infinitely holy God. Does that mean that God's judgment against every sin is exactly the same? Today,...

Are Christians Called to Be Pacifists According to Matthew 5:38-42?

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek as someone mistreats us, is He teaching Christians to become pacifists? Today, W. Robert Godfrey helps us ...

What Is R.C. Sproul’s Conversion Story, and What Can We Learn from It?

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

R.C. Sproul spent his life teaching Christians from all walks of life about the things of God. How and when did God draw Dr. Sproul to Himself? Today,...

Is There an Age of Accountability?

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Some Christians say that there is an "age of accountability," an age at which young children become guilty of sin. Is this true? Today, Derek Thomas c...

Should Christians Attend Midweek Bible Studies?

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Bible commands God's people to gather for worship on the Lord's Day. What about other gatherings, such as Sunday school or midweek Bible studies? ...

How Long Was Jesus in the Grave?

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jesus said He would be buried for "three days and three nights" (Matt. 12:40). How can this be true when Christ was crucified on Friday and raised on ...

What Would You Say to a Christian Who Rejects the Inerrancy of Scripture?

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are some professing Christians who believe the Bible contains errors. What should we say to them? Today, hear the response R.C. Sproul gave when...

Is It Unfair to Say That Christ Is the Only Way?

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are we being narrow-minded if we tell people that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation? Today, Stephen Nichols explains that the kindest thing we...