Resources

What is a difference between an unrepentant and a repentant person? Anthony Mathenia explains in this video that there is a difference between a repentant sinner and an unrepentant sinner. An unrepentant sinner will be condemned if they do not repent. In contrast, a repentant person hopes in the blood of Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. The punishment for their sin was poured out on Christ.  Though we are all sinners, there are unrepentant sinners who will suffer the wrath of God on themselves for their sins and there are repentant sinners who had Christ absorb the wrath that was due to them. There is no condemnation.  Romans 8:1-2 (NKJV) - "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death."

Many people are familiar with the highlights of Jonah’s life: A stubborn, unbelieving prophet who thinks he can run from God. A storm-tossed ship, a huge fish, and a merciful Father show him otherwise, and he is swayed to repentance. These remarkable events often overshadow the actions of the sailors who met Jonah along the way. But helpful comparisons can be made between religious-yet-backslidden Jonah and his irreligious shipmates. Jonah, though he had much knowledge of God, was ashamed of Him and lounging in despair and disobedience. The sailors, heathen though they were, saw the storm and acknowledged that Jonah’s God was powerful. Therefore, they feared and worshipped Him, and were quick to obey, unlike Jonah. What can we learn about the fear of God from the account of the prophet Jonah?

What are some common characteristics of the current generation? Anthony Mathenia explains in this video that some of the characteristics that he has seen in this current generation is that children and teens often have low attention spans and demonstrate a poor work ethic. There also is a problem with the youth of the current generation denying that there is absolute truth amongst this generation. The world is constantly telling them that there is no absolute truth because there is no God. If we want to help this current generation, we need to return to Scripture and teach them what God requires. The only way to overcome unbelief and sin is through the Gospel of Christ. Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV) - "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord."

What is the difference between worldly and godly sorrow? Anthony Mathenia explains in this video that individuals who show godly sorrow are sorrowful because of offending God because He is holy and good. Individuals who show worldly sorrow merely show sorrow because of the consequences that they are suffering because of the wrong that they have done. They do not sorrow because they have rebelled against the commandments of God.  Worldly sorrow will not produce a change of direction. Godly sorrow will. It will result in a change of life and a change of direction. We will make the necessary changes in our lives so that we do not continue walking in those ways.  2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV) - "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death."

Anthony Mathenia explains in this video that fathers have an obligation to shepherd their family and to point them to Christ. They should teach their children about the things of God and help them to make wise decisions as they grow older. They should follow hard after Christ and strive to set a godly example for their children. Isaiah 40:11 (NKJV) - "He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young."

Godly, biblical leadership is never more important in the church than when trouble arises. Life is often marked by these troubles and difficulties and in this fallen world the need for biblically qualified and faithful shepherds could not be greater for the flock of God. Looking to Peter's admonition to his fellow elders (1 Peter 5:1-4) we see a paradigm to follow in pastoral ministry. This paradigm presents the foundation for what the work of ministry looks like and how it should be accomplished, all for the good of the sheep and the glory of God.

What is the impact of biblical repentance? Anthony Mathenia explains in this video that if people and churches in our culture would repent and turn from their sins, there would be a distinct change. If Christians live lives that are marked by repentance and godliness, then our churches would be healthy - they would be pillars in the communities in which they stand.  Ultimately, repentance would affect our nation at large. We need churches that will take repentance seriously and be bold in teaching that Scripture commands repentance.  Joel 2:12-13 (NKJV) – “’Now, therefore,’ says the Lord, ‘Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm.” 

Anthony Mathenia explains in this video that repentance necessitates a change of direction. According to Scripture, repentance involves changing from serving our sin to serving God. Repentance isn't continuing down the same path that you've just now confessed. Rather, it is a turning away from sin and doing a complete turn. Acts 3:19 (NKJV) - "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

Marriage, as God prescribes it, is foundational to the fabric of society. Any form of abuse of marriage, contradiction to it, or defilement of it is a perversion of God's created order. Sadly, today we are inundated with a variety of contradictions to marriage, many of which we are being told must be accepted and celebrated; contradictions and defilements such as polygamy, transgenderism, chauvinism, feminism, homosexuality, fornication, and pornography.

The situation with COVID-19 has opened up many doors of opportunity for God’s people. In this session, Sam Waldron, Jeff Pollard, Anthony Mathenia, and Scott Brown discuss how churches and families should respond to the upheaval. Together, they address what a Christian is to regarding church meetings, social distancing, quarantines, honoring civil authorities and loving our neighbors. Last, they also discuss suggestions for church life when limiting suggestions are made to churches by the civil government.

As our culture has embraced the culture of death, how should Christians respond? With such a tragic reality, is it enough to simply pray, or is there more Christians ought to be doing? What is the role of the Church in responding to the killing of babies in abortion mills?

How does a family participate in reformation? Anthony Mathenia explains in this video that family reformation occurs when a family looks to Scripture and does away with the things in their life that do not line up with Scripture and begins to do the things that are commanded in Scripture. It is a doing away of sin and a following of the things that are clearly prescribed. The father must take a leadership role in this process and guide his family to Scripture to align their family life in accordance with the Word of God. Each family will face its own unique struggles and challenges, but one thing remains the same for each family – that the Word of God is applicable, true, and needed for the reformation of the family. 2 Timothy 3:15 (NKJV) – “[F]rom childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”