Today, James Meyers, III continues discussing the Pelagian Controversy giving more of the Augustinian perspective regarding original sin, and distinguishing between free will and liberty. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Today, James Meyers, III discusses the life of a man who had one of the most prolific minds of the last millennium. With all the intellectual accolades attributed, rightly or wrongly, to one or another person of seemingly profound cognition of the last thousand years, the Doctor Angelicus (Angelic Doctor/Doctor of the Angels) shines forth as an illuminating figure in history. Such is an underestimated epitaph of St. Thomas Aquinas. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Today, James Meyers, III concludes our consideration of St. Augustin through a brief overview of his masterpiece, The City of God. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Today, James Meyers, III begins a series to consider free will as it relates to original sin. He begins with discussing some secular perspectives and introduces the Pelagian Controversy as he will continue in subsequent messages. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Today, James Meyers, III discusses the life of the great theologian, Augustin. He considers Augustin’s early life until his conversion as found in his autobiography, Confessions. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Today, James Meyers, III concludes his consideration of the Parable of the Sower leading into the Parable of the Wheat and Tares. What might these parables demonstrate about the world and His Church? Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Today, James Meyers, III considers the fourth century Bishop of Alexandria, Athanasius. While he is mostly famous for his work, On the Incarnation, he was almost alone defending orthodoxy and stood strong amidst strong persecution, including 5 exiles totaling 17 years of 45 years as bishop. We would do well to have one like such a man in our time. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Today, James Meyers, III begins a series to consider many of the parables of Christ. He begins with defining a parable and discusses the Parable of the Sower, or, as he prefers, the Parable of the Soils. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Today, James Meyers, III begins a series regarding exemplary heroes throughout Church History. In his first lecture, he discusses Polycarp, the great martyr of the second century. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III takes a somewhat rare approach, looking back to the Old Testament going into the New, and shows how we can see the whole counsel of God in the Resurrection of Christ. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Given the doctrinal and historical development of Mariology, James Meyers, III gives a very brief synopsis of Roman Catholic consideration of Mary, anticipating a series to come regarding the Virgin Mary. He then considers Mary as she is found in the Bible, and concludes with a poignant Old Testament account to illustrate some tendencies of mankind, including even God’s people. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Following his sermon last week regarding church unity found in Christ’s prayer in John 17, James Meyers, III discusses Christ’s exaltation and glory which He gives to His bride. While we are to be the light of the world, we must always remain in the True Light, Jesus the Messiah. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

It may surprise many Protestants to hear that papal infallibility is a fairly recent de fide doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. Today, James Meyers, III gives some historical context as to how this was gradually formulated. He concludes with some thoughtful considerations for the Reformed church. Note: Our apologies for the audio as the microphone was not working. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Today, James Meyers, III preaches on the unity of the church as found in Christ’s prayer in The Gospel of John 17. As we find ourselves fragmented in a myriad of denominations and factions, we are ever and always to seek peace with the brethren as one body in our Lord Jesus Christ. Determining between true and false churches is one essential concern, which must not be negotiated. However, the unity that is truly for those who are truly in Christ, also, must be a passionate desire. Christ prayed that the church might be one. While we may be buffeted by perceptible division, let us remember we have an imperceptible union which is divine and true. May we find our oneness in Christ, and rejoice that we are the bride, still yet imperfect, but shall be without spot or wrinkle at that great feast of the saints. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Given the complexities and range of topics through which we might  consider the ecclesiastical nature of how the Roman Catholic Church sees herself, James Meyers, III narrows our purview to where this controversy essentially began, and continues to manifest. By discussing Cyprian, the Bishop of Carthage (200-258 A.D.) and the great theologian, Augustine of Hippo, James weaves through the corridors of church history for hopefully a greater and enlightened perspective. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Having given an overview as to the development of Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), James Meyers discusses its biblical basis and why the church should glory in such grace. Having briefly addressed traditions in our preceding study, he somewhat ironically considers sola scriptura as defined in the first chapter of the Westminster Confession of Faith. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Protestants are inclined to accuse the Roman Catholic Church of having a low view of Scripture as distinctive from the Reformed proclamation of Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone). James Meyers provides some context as to how Rome does in fact hold a highly faithful biblical belief in its inspiration and  inerrancy; where the division comes is in the word “only.” James provides the impetus of this division and clarity within the Protestant Church who have often misunderstood the underlying theology and emphasis. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Today, James Meyers gives definition to the sacred union with Christ through the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. We must beware of either extreme: namely, that the bread and blood literally and substantially become the body and blood of Christ, or that the elements merely signify His body and blood. The church does well when she uses her discernment which is gifted by the Spirit of God. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Having discussed the other six sacraments of the Roman Church, James Meyers discusses how Rome sees the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, which they believe to be the greatest sacrament. Additionally, James discusses differing Protestant doctrines regarding the Lord’s Supper and how we might dutifully and reverently comprehend this most blessed communion. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Having introduced the sacrament of baptism last week, James Meyers considers the debate between paedobaptism, baptizing infants, credobaptism, commonly known as believer’s baptism. He also considers the sacraments generally to return the solemn and sacred use of sacraments into the Protestant Church. Where the Catholic Church puts too much into the sacraments, The Reformed Church tends to put too little. If we are to believe, we must know what we believe and why we believe it, and our formal cause of this knowledge comes only through the authority of the Scriptures. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube