Know What You Believe with Michael Horton

A thoughtful comparison of contemporary spiritual formation influences like Comer and Willard with Reformation piety. Discussion of how Luther and Calvin united doctrine and life rather than separating them. Exploration of union with Christ, communal means of grace, and how public worship shapes private devotion and everyday service to neighbors.

Gavin Ortlund, pastor and theologian who highlights patristic and historical perspectives, joins the discussion. They examine penance, confession, and indulgences in church history. The conversation contrasts purgatory’s development with biblical hopes of immediate welcome into heaven. They also tackle assurance of salvation and how worship and sacraments shape confidence in God’s promises.

Ben Sasse, former U.S. senator and early leader at Sola Media, gives a candid update on his stage 4 cancer and treatment. He and Michael Horton revisit early ministry days, explore the gospel’s shape, and reflect on how theology steadies public life, facing mortality, priorities, resurrection hope, and finding gratitude and humor amid suffering.

Jordan Cooper, Reformed pastor and theologian, riffs on ecclesiology and Reformation debates. He and the panel define visible vs invisible church. They trace continuity through history, weigh essentials like Word and sacraments against changing structures, and wrestle with beauty, liturgy, and how externals serve the gospel.

Carlos Eire, Yale historian of late medieval and early modern religious history, explores miracles, levitation, and how radical mystics shaped modern thought. They trace Renaissance magic, inquisitorial skepticism, and Reformation debates. The conversation highlights why many today lean spiritual-but-not-religious and how heterodox thinkers seeded modern enchantment.

R. Scott Clark, a professor of church history and author of a comprehensive commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism, shares insights into this essential Protestant text. He illustrates its historical significance and pastoral applications, such as its comforting message amidst 16th-century struggles. Clark delves into key themes like guilt, grace, and gratitude, emphasizing the importance of understanding justification and sanctification. He also highlights the catechism's balance of Reformed piety against pietism’s legalism, aiming to encourage deeper engagement with the text in modern faith communities.

Join Gavin Ortlund, a pastor and theologian, and Jordan B. Cooper, a biblical theologian and pastor, as they unpack the doctrine of justification by faith alone. They dive into the historical context of the Reformation, contrasting infused and imputed righteousness. Hear their insights on the courtroom imagery of Scripture and the pastoral assurance found in Christ. They tackle criticisms, emphasize the necessity of good works as evidence of true faith, and clarify the roles of faith and works in salvation, all while offering deep theological reflections.

Gavin Ortlund, a pastor and theologian known for his insights on sola gratia and assurance, joins Michael Horton and Jordan Cooper to tackle misconceptions of the Reformation. They discuss the roots of justification and explore the claim that it stems from medieval nominalism. Ortlund emphasizes the importance of union with Christ while clarifying biblical grace versus infused transformation. The trio also examines moral virtue within Protestantism, advocating for a revival of historic Protestant ethics through accessible resources.

Dive into the fascinating discussion on how AI claims are reshaping narratives around Christmas and Constantine. Explore the reliability of the New Testament and the significance of early Christian creeds. Horton debunks misconceptions about the Council of Nicaea and clarifies the origins of orthodoxy. He highlights the distinctiveness of Christianity compared to pagan myths and warns against the pitfalls of AI-generated misinformation. This engaging conversation challenges historical myths while defending traditional Christian views.

Michael Horton, Gavin Ortlund, and Jordan B. Cooper discuss how Scripture and tradition are distinct and if the doctrine of Sola Scriptura undermines church authority. DEFENDING THE REFORMATION is a 6 part series bringing together Gavin Ortlund, Jordan Cooper, and Michael Horton to address some of the most prominent criticisms of the Reformation and key Protestant doctrines. Were the Reformers true reformers or radical revolutionaries? Does Sola Scriptura undermine church tradition? Is Sola Fide merely a product of nominalism? Together, these Protestant theologians examine the historical context, theological depth, and biblical fidelity of the Reformation. GIVEAWAY: https://solamedia.org/offers/creeds?sc=NN2511V In partnership with Crossway, we're excited to give away 100 copies of Chad Van Dixhoorn's Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms. PARTNER: https://solamedia.org/partner?sc=AS2502V When you become a partner today, you'll receive two books as our thanks: Rediscovering the Holy Spirit by Dr. Michael Horton and Praying with Jesus by Adriel Sanchez. ADVENT DEVOTIONAL: https://solamedia.org/offers/heavencamedown/?sc=AP2511V In Heaven Came Down, Michael Horton encourages us to see the wonder of Advent: the Almighty veiled in flesh, present with his people not to terrify but to save. FOLLOW US YouTube | Instagram | X/Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter WHO WE ARE Sola is home to White Horse Inn, Core Christianity, Modern Reformation, and Theo Global. Our mission is to serve today's global church by producing resources for reformation grounded in the historic Christian faith. Our vision is to see reformation in hearts, homes, and churches around the world. Learn more: https://solamedia.org/