Baptist on the Bible

Old Testament-Christ-New Testament: Sovereignty and the Shifting of Nations. In times of national turmoil, what is the Christian response?  In this episode, Dr. Andrew Marquez and Dr. Ben Pate explore Daniel 2 to affirm God's control. The rise and fall of nations is no surprise to God. He orchestrates the world powers to ultimately bring about His kingdom. Christians should take comfort in Go...

Salvation, Our Joy in Trials: Devotion 3. Can I really rejoice in hard times or even in persecution? In this episode, Pastor/Professor Andrew Marquez continues through 1 Peter 1 (vv.6-9). These verses encourage Christians to find great joy in trials as they look towards the coming salvation. Believers hold to the promise of Christ's return that both strengthens our faith and increases our love.

Salvation, Our Joy in Trials: Devotion 2. Am I really saved? Could I lose my salvation? In this episode, Pastor/Professor Andrew Marquez continues through 1 Peter 1 (vv.3-5), discussing the surety of salvation. Peter says that Christians can have confidence in their salvation based on the proof of the resurrection and the power of God. Our salvation is also permanent, reserved for us in heaven.

Old Testament-Christ-New Testament: The Blessing of Children. Do we view children as a blessing or a burden? What does the Bible say? In this episode, Dr. Andrew Marquez and Dr. Ben Pate search the Scriptures to discern God's view of children and how it should influence us today.

Salvation, Our Joy in Trials: Devotion 1. How are Christians able to hold on to joy in terrible times? In this episode, Pastor/Professor Andrew Marquez explores the opening of 1 Peter. In these verses Peter reminds Christians that the basis for joy is rooted in salvation. Our salvation finds its source in God. We are chosen by the Father, consecrated by the Spirit, and cleansed by the Son. With th...

The Manner of the Mature: Devotion 3. Why do non-Christians have difficulty understanding the Gospel? Why does the Christian life not make sense to the lost? In this episode, Pastor/Professor Andrew talks about the necessity of spiritual enlightenment for spiritual understanding. Christians often take their spiritual life for granted, assuming every one sees things as we do. We must walk in the Sp...

The Manner of the Mature: Devotion 2. How can we expect to have success in the Christian life? The Bible says we need a spiritual mind. In this episode, pastor/professor Andrew explores the connection of a spiritual mindset and a mature life. Christians are called to rely on God's Spirit in the same way that they rely on their own spirit. As we know ourselves by our own spirit, we can come to know...

The Manner of the Mature: Devotion 1. Do you ever feel different as a Christian from the world around you? Paul tells us that this is normal and right. In this episode, Pastor Andrew discusses the manner of the mature. The way Christians live flows from the wisdom of God. This wisdom is different from the world, mysterious to the believer, but glorious nonetheless.

Old Testament-Christ-New Testament: The Bible on Abortion. What does the Bible say about the unborn? How should this influence the Christian view of abortion? In this episode, Dr. Andrew Marquez and Dr. Ben Pate examine the Scriptures to see what they say about children, the unborn, and the practice of abortion.

Are you trying to live the Christian life in your own strength? We are called to bear one another's burdens, while carrying our own loads. In this episode, Pastor/Professor Andrew Marquez points out the necessity of leaning on the Holy Spirit to effectively serve others and to fulfill our calling.

The Christian life requires self-care and commitment to one's call. While we look out for the needs of others, each believer must attend to God's plan for his or her life. In this episode, Pastor/Professor Andrew Marquez discusses Paul's command to you to bear your own load. What work has the Lord given you to do? Are you guarding your time and energy to accomplish His will?

Old Testament-Christ-New Testament: The Name of the LORD. What does the Bible say about God's name? Why is it a sin to take God's name in vain? Can we violate this commandment in different ways? In this episode, Dr. Andrew Marquez and Dr. Ben Pate discuss the importance of the LORD's name.

Old Testament-Christ-New Testament: Speaking God's Name. How should I call upon the Name of the Lord? In this episode, Dr. Andrew Marquez and Dr. Ben Pate observe the Hebrew name for God and discuss the role of reverence when using God's name.

The Christian life is meant to be lived in community. In this episode, Pastor/Professor Andrew Marquez explores Paul's exhortation from Galatians 6. We encourage each other in our spiritual walks by caring for and serving one another. As you lift up fellow believers, remember to protect your own soul from temptation and pride.

Why are Christians persecuted? Is there value in suffering for Christ? Peter shows us that believers are vindicated in suffering and prove the validity of their faith.

God is faithful to pardon. In this episode, Pastor/Professor Andrew Marquez looks at God's acts of pardon in the book of Joshua. God pardon's Israel, the Gibeonites, and Rahab. God will pardon the repentant. He will pardon you.

God Is Faithful: Devotion 3. God is faithful to punish. In this episode, Pastor/Professor Andrew Marquez looks at Deut. 9:4-5 as it relates to God's faithfulness to expel the Canaanites from the land. God promises to punish sin and wicked behavior. This punishment falls on those outside of the covenant as well as those within it. Christians today must examine themselves, recognizing Heb. 12:5-6, t...

God is faithful with His presence. In this episode, Pastor/Professor Andrew Marquez examines Joshua 1:5. God promises his presence to Joshua. God's presence assures the Israelites of victory. Christians today are promised God's presence through the indwelling Holy Spirit. John 15:4-5 tells to abide in God's presence for sustainment and success in our Christian walk.

What is the proper attitude/posture of Christian husbands and wives?  How should Christians treat each other? Peter encourages an attitude of deference.

We sometimes forget that God is faithful. Thank God that He never forgets. In this episode, Pastor/Professor Andrew Marquez calls attention to the fact that God is always faithful to His promises. Looking at the Land Theme in the Book of Joshua, we are reminded of God's faithfulness to fulfill every promises made. For Christians we hold to 2 Cor. 1:20, "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes,...

Why does Satan despise the assembled church? What is the true value of Christian fellowship? In this episode, Pastor/Professor Andrew Marquez examines 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20. The gathered church in the presence of Christ is Paul's Hope, Joy and Crown. This previews the ultimate judgment of the devil and motivates us to look for Christ's return.

Old Testament-Christ-New Testament: The Canonical Approach to Scripture. What is the value in using history, culture, or science to aid in interpreting the Bible? Is it possible to read the Bible on its own? Dr. Andrew Marquez and Dr. Ben Pate explore the concept of a canonical approach to the Bible.

Why do we experience difficulties when we try to serve God together? Could there be something sinister at work? In Part 2 of "What Is Our Hope, Joy, and Crown?" Pastor/Professor Andrew Marquez discusses 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18. Paul revealed that Satan was at work in separating him from the church in Thessalonica. Perhaps Satan is working against us in similar ways today.

How should we bear witness to Christ? Peter provides an answer to this question, though it may not be the answer we want to hear. Preaching through 1 Peter 2:11-25, Pastor Andrew shows the subtle Christian witness comes through a commitment to submission. Christians must submit first to God and then to the government and those in direct authority over us (employer, officer, etc.). Intentional subm...

Should a Christian feel lonely? Is it important for believers to spend time together? In this devotional series, What is our hope, joy and crown? Pastor/Professor Andrew Marquez discusses 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20. Part 1 looks at v. 17 to see the importance of Christian fellowship to the earliest Christian generation and to us today.