Ask Ligonier
Episodes
What Place Does the Law Have in the Christian Life?
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Since we are unable to obtain salvation by obeying the Lord's commands, how should Christians make use of the law of God? Today, W. Robert Godfrey exp...
Should Christians Study Philosophy?
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Since Scripture warns us not to be taken captive "by philosophy and empty deceit" (Col. 2:8), should Christians avoid the study of philosophy? Today, ...
Is Suffering Ever a Punishment for a Christian’s Sin?
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Even after we come to Christ, our lives are marked by suffering in this fallen world. Does our suffering as Christians ever come as punishment from Go...
How Can We Trust the Bible, since It’s Thousands of Years Old?
28 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The truth claims of the Christian faith depend ultimately upon the teaching of Scripture. Can we really trust a book that is thousands of years old? T...
Why Pray, since God Doesn’t Change His Mind?
21 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Our prayers do not have the power to alter the perfect will of God. Doesn't that make prayer a waste of time? Today, John Tweeddale explains why we sh...
Can Satan Plant Thoughts into a Christian’s Mind?
14 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jesus tells us to pray for deliverance from the evil one. But how does Satan influence us as Christians? Today, W. Robert Godfrey considers how the te...
How Do We Know We’re Genuinely Growing as Christians?
07 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We do not measure our growth as Christians by filling out a spreadsheet or completing a checklist. Today, Burk Parsons expresses what true growth look...
Are We Living in the End Times Described in the Book of Revelation?
31 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When major changes take place in the world, some Christians raise the question of whether we are witnessing signs that Jesus will soon return. Does th...
Is Christmas a Pagan Holiday?
24 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25? Was the celebration of Jesus' birth originally a pagan celebration of the winter solstice? Today, Stephen ...
How Should We Pray for Our Children?
17 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Christian parents tend to have great concerns -- and often great fears -- about the spiritual lives of their children. How should we be praying for ou...
Why Is the Lord’s Day on Sunday, not Saturday?
10 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Since God ordained the Sabbath on the seventh day of the week, why do Christians gather for worship on Sunday, the first day? Today, Matthew Dudreck r...
What Does It Mean for a Christian to Violate His Conscience?
26 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What is our conscience, and how do we make sure we aren't acting against it? Today, W. Robert Godfrey considers how to align our consciences with the ...
What Is a “Sin That Leads to Death”?
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Writing to the early church, the Apostle John describes "sins not leading to death" and the "sin that leads to death" (1 John 5:16). What should we ma...
What Counsel Do You Have for Someone Struggling to Love Their Neighbor?
12 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How can we genuinely love our neighbor if he is living in opposition to God and the biblical truths we hold dear? Today, Burk Parsons provides counsel...
Why Isn't God Mentioned in the Book of Esther?
05 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As you read through the book of Esther, you may notice something surprising: God is never directly mentioned in this book of the Bible. Today, Benjami...
Can Christians Cast Out Demons?
29 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When we come to certain parts of the Bible, it seems that the casting out of demons is commonplace. Should Christians expect to have the power to driv...
What Book of the New Testament Should a Christian Study First?
15 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
While there is no wrong place to begin reading the New Testament, some books are especially helpful for someone newly discovering the core teachings a...
How Should a Christian Present the Gospel to a Mormon?
08 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The true gospel is far better news than any cult can devise. Today, W. Robert Godfrey provides thoughtful wisdom on how Christians can witness to thei...
If You Could Read Only One Author from Church History, Who Would It Be and Why?
01 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Lord has graciously blessed His church with many great teachers and writers through the ages. If you could learn from only one of them for the res...
When Does Healthy Ambition Become an Idol?
24 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We ought to strive for excellence and apply ourselves to the responsibilities God has given us. But can this pursuit of excellence ever become sinful ...
Is Calvinism Biblical?
17 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Does the Bible actually teach doctrines such as unconditional election, limited atonement, and irresistible grace? Today, Burk Parsons examines where ...
Why Does It Matter If I Attend a Local Church?
10 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The book of Hebrews instructs Christians not to neglect gathering together, but why is this so important? Today, John Tweeddale explains the role of t...
How Can We Be Made in the Image of God Yet Still Be Sinful in Nature?
03 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How is it possible that human beings are said to be made in the image of God when "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23)? To...
Does 1 Timothy 2:12 Apply Today?
20 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Apostle Paul's teaching in 1 Timothy 2:11-12 can be confusing for readers today. Is Paul instructing women to remain totally silent in church? Tod...
Did the Holy Spirit Indwell Old Testament Believers?
13 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Since we cannot come to saving faith apart from the Spirit of God, how do we account for believers prior to Pentecost? Today, Sinclair Ferguson compar...
How Can a Loving God Send People to Hell?
06 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Since "God is love" (1 John 4:8), how can He possibly condemn anyone to everlasting judgment? Today, Burk Parsons explains that the Bible's answer to ...
What Should I Do If My Career Becomes an Idol?
30 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
God created us to work. But that is far from the only reason why He made us. Today, Stephen Nichols describes the role that careers serve in our lives...
Does God Speak to Christians Audibly?
23 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Should we expect God to speak to us with a thunderous voice or a low whisper? Today, Benjamin Shaw explains the way in which God speaks to His people ...
Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables?
16 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes we think of Jesus as the master storyteller. But Christ's parables serve a greater purpose than to entertain. Today, Sinclair Ferguson expla...
Why Is Church History Important?
09 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Church history is so much more than a collection of names, dates, and events. Today, Stephen Nichols cautions Christians that we're missing out if we ...
When Should I Leave a Church?
02 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Christians must take church membership seriously. But there are times when leaving a church is an appropriate decision. Today, Burk Parsons navigates ...
Do Christians Have Authority Over Sickness?
25 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Some people teach that Jesus has given Christians the authority to cast out diseases and afflictions--all we have to do is lay claim to that authority...
Is There One View of the End Times That Is More Convincing Than the Others?
18 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Throughout church history, serious students of Scripture have come to different views regarding the end times. Today, W. Robert Godfrey considers the ...
Will We Live on Earth after the Resurrection?
11 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Isaiah 65:17 reveals that the Lord will someday create new heavens and a new earth. Will the recreated world look anything like the planet on which we...
How Are Creeds and Confessions Helpful?
04 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Many of us have heard the adage, "No creed but Christ." But this is actually its own creed, and it's not the most helpful one. Today, Stephen Nichols ...
How Do I Know If I’m Called to Be a Pastor?
28 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Some men seek to enter the ministry because they love to study theology. Today, W. Robert Godfrey explains that the call to be a pastor involves much ...
Is Suicide the Unpardonable Sin?
21 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Christians disagree about whether or not suicide is the unpardonable sin. But what does Scripture say? Today, Sinclair Ferguson brings the truth of Go...
How Do I Know If I'm Elect?
14 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How can we be sure today if God chose before the foundation of the world to save us? Today, Burk Parsons carefully guides us through passages of Scrip...
What Does It Mean That We Are “Created in God’s Image”?
07 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Who are you? What gives meaning to your life? Today, Stephen Nichols shows that our worth as individuals is not found in our economic assets or in our...
Are All Christians Called to Be Missionaries?
30 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jesus Christ has commissioned His church to "make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19). Does this mean that every Christian is called to be a missi...
How Can I Grow in Christian Maturity?
23 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Every Christian should desire to grow in the faith, but often our spiritual growth feels elusive. Today, Sinclair Ferguson guides us through many of t...
Is It a Sin Not to Pray?
09 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jesus taught His disciples "always to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1). How do we know if we've sinned against this command? Today, Derek Thomas a...
What Is a Biblical Church?
02 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Many people have very specific ideas of what they're looking for in a church. But how many of these ideas are informed by God's Word? Today, Stephen N...
How Do I Repent of Sin?
26 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jesus began His ministry with a command for people to "repent and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15). What was He telling His listeners to do? Today, Bur...
How Can I Know If God Is Speaking to Me?
19 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When we pray, we communicate to God. Does He ever speak to us? Today, Sinclair Ferguson identifies the two ways in which God reveals Himself. Submit a...
Is It Important to Know the Moment of Our Regeneration?
12 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Christians are commanded to make their calling and election sure. But how important is it for believers to know when they were born again? Today, Dere...
What Place Does the Old Testament Law Have in the Christian Life?
05 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Old Testament contains many laws and commandments from God to His people. As those who are saved by grace, how should believers understand God's l...
What Role Should Pastors and Elders Have in My Life?
20 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Pastors are called to shepherd the flock of God. But what does that actually look like? Today, Burk Parsons explains the role of pastors and elders in...
What Hope Is There for Christians Who Experience Chronic Suffering?
13 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In a cursed and corrupted world, some pain cannot be escaped. Today, Derek Thomas provides a comforting reminder of the hope Christians have even when...
What Should I Do When I Don't Feel Saved?
06 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Even those who have professed faith in Christ for decades can wrestle with guilt and doubt over their salvation. What should we do when we don't feel ...
What Are the Arguments for the Existence of God?
30 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Some people claim that faith in God is contrary to reason. Is that true? Today, Stephen Nichols highlights the primary ways Christians have defended t...
What Is Grace?
16 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Late medieval theologians began to distort how we think and talk about grace. Where did they go wrong? Today, Sinclair Ferguson articulates what it re...
Introducing: Ask Ligonier
03 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ask Ligonier is a podcast that allows listeners like you to submit biblical and theological questions and receive answers from some of the most truste...