Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary: "Questions & Answers: Building the Church"
Release Date: July 4, 2025
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Guests: Sinclair Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey, Stephen Nichols, Derek Thomas, R.C. Sproul
In the July 4, 2025 episode of Renewing Your Mind, Ligonier Ministries presents a comprehensive Q&A session from their 2025 National Conference focused on the theme "Building the Church." Moderated by Chris Larson, the discussion features esteemed theologians Sinclair Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey, Stephen Nichols, Derek Thomas, and R.C. Sproul. This episode delves into critical biblical and theological questions, offering deep insights into church structure, divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and practical Christian living.
1. Interpreting Matthew 16:18 in Reformed Theology
Question: In classical Reformed theology, what is the most historically orthodox and accepted interpretation of Matthew 16:18?
Speaker: W. Robert Godfrey [01:46]
Discussion: The conversation begins with W. Robert Godfrey posing a pivotal question about the interpretation of Matthew 16:18:
"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Derek Thomas [02:06]: Explains the two predominant Protestant interpretations:
- The Rock is Christ: Peter, central in the confession, points to Christ as the foundation.
- The Rock is Peter's Confession: Emphasizes Peter's declaration of Jesus as the Messiah.
Stephen Nichols [03:04]: Invites Sinclair Ferguson to share his perspective.
Sinclair Ferguson [03:13]: Offers a nuanced view:
"Matthew 16:18...wihtout singling Peter out, neither abstracting him from all the apostles..."
He highlights that historically, various interpretations existed until debates with the Bishop of Rome. Ferguson suggests that in Reformed tradition, Peter's role doesn't imply papal supremacy but underscores his unique contribution to the church's foundation.
Derek Thomas [07:23]: Expands on the historical context, referencing the Council of Constantinople and Canon 3, which acknowledged the primacy of the Bishop of Rome. He points out the Roman Catholic rejection of this canon, illustrating the diversity of early church opinions.
Notable Quote:
"The notion that the voice of the ancient Church is unified in declaring the role of the Bishop of Rome is simply untrue." — Derek Thomas [09:53]
2. Understanding "The World" in John 3:16
Question: Elaborate on John 3:16. Which group of people in the verse does "the world" pertain to?
Speaker: W. Robert Godfrey [18:38]
Response:
Stephen Nichols [18:48]: Clarifies that "world" (Greek: kosmos) denotes the fallen, morally corrupted creation rather than every individual across time and space:
"God so loved this world, this fallen world, not an ideal world... that's the world that God loves."
He references B.B. Warfield's sermon, emphasizing that "world" encompasses a moral stance against sin and rebellion.
3. Recognizing God's Call on Your Life
Question: How do you recognize God's call on your life to do anything if God is not calling you to ministry? How would you know if God is calling you to a law school, for example?
Speaker: W. Robert Godfrey [20:13]
Responses:
Derek Thomas [20:52]: Outlines three essential elements to discern God's call:
- Aspiration: A genuine desire for a specific role or calling.
- Giftedness: Recognition of one's talents and abilities aligned with the calling.
- Encouragement from Others: Affirmation and support from the Christian community.
He underscores the importance of seeking counsel before making decisions and the gradual nature of recognizing God's will.
R.C. Sproul [23:46]: Broadens the discussion beyond ministry:
"Be faithful in what is in front of you... God is faithfully leading me into this..."
Sproul advises believers to trust God with each step, emphasizing faithfulness over immediate clarity regarding one's vocation.
Sinclair Ferguson [27:00]: Reflects on personal experiences, highlighting the growth that comes from making decisions rooted in faith:
"You need to slowly work out how godly principles apply to your life and your situation..."
He emphasizes trust in God's promises, referencing his conversion text, John 8:12.
4. Divine Foreordination and Human Free Will
Question: Since God foreordained everything, does that mean we still have a choice?
Speaker: W. Robert Godfrey [28:47]
Discussion:
Stephen Nichols [28:55]: Distinguishes Reformed foreordination from determinism:
"Reformed doctrine of foreordination is not a doctrine of determinism, of fatalism."
He emphasizes human responsibility and the myriad choices individuals make daily, which underpin moral accountability.
Derek Thomas [30:35]: Celebrates the 500th anniversary of Luther's "Bondage of the Will," clarifying that:
"We always choose against God in the matters of salvation..."
He upholds the Reformed view of human inclination towards rebellion, affirming free agency.
R.C. Sproul [31:25]: Shares a theological perspective from the disciples' calling:
"You did not choose me, but I chose you."
Sproul highlights that, in our fallen state, humans do not initiate their relationship with God; instead, God sovereignly calls them.
Stephen Nichols [32:29]: Touches on R.C. Sproul's contributions to the discussion, referencing Luther's works and their impact on understanding divine sovereignty and human will.
Sinclair Ferguson [34:01]: Brings the conversation full circle by illustrating how Jesus' life exemplifies the harmony between divine predestination and human responsibility:
"The foreordination of God and the responsibility of human individuals belong together."
5. Honoring Unbelieving Parents
Question: What does it look like for a believer to honor unbelieving parents?
Speaker: W. Robert Godfrey [35:46]
Response:
Sinclair Ferguson [35:53]: Shares a personal narrative to illustrate the challenges and Christian approach to honoring non-believing parents:
"Love your unbelieving parents by being a Christlike presence in your relationship with them."
He emphasizes patience, gentle witness, and embodying Christian virtues as means to honor and potentially influence his parents' beliefs.
Ferguson reflects on his own conversion experience and the transformation within his family, advocating for authenticity and Christlike love in familial relationships.
6. Sharing Calvinism in an Arminian/Pentecostal Family
Question: I am the only Calvinistic person in my family. All of them are Arminian, Pentecostal. How can I share what I have learned?
Speaker: W. Robert Godfrey [39:35]
Responses:
R.C. Sproul [39:47]: Offers strategic advice on presenting Calvinist theology within a diverse Christian family:
"Agree that the best theology reserves the glory for God."
He suggests focusing discussions on doctrines that honor God and seek mutual understanding, rather than merely debating doctrinal points.
Sinclair Ferguson [41:09]: Encourages personal excellence in one's faith as a testimony to others:
"Be the best Calvinist you can be."
He references Colossians 3:12-14, urging believers to embody Christlike virtues that naturally draw others to the faith.
Derek Thomas [41:58]: Cites J.I. Packer's distinction between different forms of Arminianism, advocating for respectful dialogue and shared biblical foundations:
"Ask what Paul meant by predestination, focusing on Scripture rather than denominational labels."
Stephen Nichols [44:17]: Emphasizes the importance of a humble and respectful approach:
"Lead them gently and sensitively, focusing on understanding Paul's teachings."
He underscores the value of mutual respect and shared commitment to Scripture as common ground.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a reflection on the diverse yet harmonious perspectives shared by the panelists. Emphasizing the importance of scriptural fidelity, mutual respect, and the sovereignty of God, the discussion offers substantial guidance for believers navigating theological questions and interpersonal relationships within the Christian community.
Notable Final Quote:
"Being Reformed means that doctrine begins and ends and has its meaning in God and is doxology is the worship of God." — R.C. Sproul [39:47]
Listeners are encouraged to engage deeply with these theological insights and apply them to their personal lives and church communities, fostering a robust and unified body of Christ.
Additional Information:
Listeners are invited to join future conferences, access new resources, and participate in ongoing learning opportunities through Ligonier Ministries.
This summary captures the essence of the "Questions & Answers: Building the Church" episode, providing an in-depth overview for those unable to attend the live session.