RSS Amplifier

Podcast

Understanding Christianity

Listen to Dr. Sean Cole, lead pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Sterling, CO, to help you understand Christianity. This podcast includes sermons, lectures, and discussions on leading issues in the Reformed evangelical tradition. If you want to learn more about Christianity from a Baptistic and Calvinistic perspective, this podcast is for you.

seancole.netSource feed ↗50 episodes

Live Last read · last published · next check

Written by

Latest episodes

Saves to your Listen queue, to pick up on another day or another device.

The Danger, The Deception, and the Detection: MATTHEW 7:15-20

Sean's newest book has just been released: Understanding Christianity: Biblical Answers to Life's Most Important Questions You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HC7WTLQZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title In this sermon, Dr. Sean Cole preaches about the danger of false prophets. First, Jesus warns us of the DANGER. We must beware of false teachers. Second, Jesus alerts us to the…

Play

Narrow is the Way that Leads to Life: MATTHEW 7:13-14

Sean's newest book has just been released: Understanding Christianity: Biblical Answers to Life's Most Important Questions You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HC7WTLQZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title IN Mathtew 7:13-14, Jesus will allow no neutrality or ambivalence. You cannot be apathetic toward Jesus. As Lord of all, He demands that you respond. As the absolute LORD, Jesus…

Play

The Greatness of the Golden Rule: MATTHEW 5:12

Sean's newest book has just been released: Understanding Christianity: Biblical Answers to Life's Most Important Questions You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HC7WTLQZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title Because the Golden Rule is so famous and so many people try to follow it, we may have become overly familiar with what it means and what it doesn't mean. Dr. Sean Cole's sermon…

Play

Pray Boldly: Matthew 7:7-11

Sean's newest book has just been released: Understanding Christianity: Biblical Answers to Life's Most Important Questions You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HC7WTLQZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title In this sermon from Matthew 7:7-11, Dr. Sean Cole encourages us to understand Jesus' teaching on prayer by asking four questions: Why should we pray? How should we pray? What…

Play

Practicing Biblical Discernment: HEBREWS 5:11-14

Sean's newest book has just been released: Understanding Christianity: Biblical Answers to Life's Most Important Questions You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HC7WTLQZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title In this sermon from Hebrews 5:11-14, Dr. Sean Cole answers this question: What is the difference between being legalistic and practicing biblical discernment? Sean has published…

Play

Who Exaclty Were the...NEPHILIM?

In this episode, Dr. Sean Cole presents the two historical views of the identity of the Nephilim and argues for the Reformed interpretation of Genesis 6:1-4. Genesis Chapter Six has sparked some of the most contested and controversial interpretations concerning the identity of the Nephilim. Were these "mighty men" in fact giants? Were they the offspring of fallen angels who procreated with human…

Play

Judge Not! Matthew 7:1-6

You hear non-Christians using this phrase all the time: "Don't be judgmental. Don't judge. You have no right to judge what I'm doing." You've probably met someone who has told you that the reason they don't come to church or that they are not a Christian is because they think Christians are judgmental. We are hypocritical. We are intolerant and unaccepting of other views. This puts us in a tough…

Play

The Greatest Cure for ANXIETY: Matthew 6:24-35

Since God, instead of money, is your master, you should never be anxious. It's, in fact, disobedient to you, Master, to be anxious about what He will provide for all your needs. Jesus gets right at the heart of anxiety, which is a natural response when we struggle with finances, or we struggle to make ends meet. In fact, the word "anxious" appears SIX times in this passage. Here is the main point…

Play

The Heart of Biblical FASTING: Matthew 6:16-18

First, fasting is often neglected as a regular practice for spiritual growth. Second, fasting is not mandated as a regular practice for spiritual growth. Since fasting is not practiced very often by evangelical Christians, and there may be some confusion or questions about this topic, Dr. Sean Cole answers FOUR questions to help us grow in our understanding of fasting. Question One: What is a…

Play

Are Your Prayers Thoroughly God-Centered of Self-Centered? Matthew 6:9-10

In this sermon, Dr. Sean Cole preaches the first three petitions in the Lord's Prayer. Here's the main focus of the first three requests : Our prayers must be thoroughly God-centered instead of self-centered. Request Number One: We passionately ask that Your name be hallowed! Request Number Two: We passionately ask that Your kingdom come! Request Number Three: We passionately ask that Your will be…

Play

Prayer: The Life Blood of All True Believers: Matthew 6:7-13

Dr. Sean Cole preaches an overview of the Lord's Prayer. He addresses the following topics: The prayer's brevity, God's sovereignty, and it's strategy. The Lord's Prayer serves as a template for not only WHAT to pray for but also HOW to pray. The address to our Father in heaven shows us that we can approach God with boldness, reverence, and togetherness. Do you need to be taught to pray? Is your…

Play

Man's Praise or God's Glory? Matthew 6:1-6

In Matthew 6:1-6, Jesus teaches us to beware of seeking man's praise instead of God's glory. Verse 1 is Jesus's main point in this section of the Sermon on the Mount, and he will give three areas of personal worship or devotion: giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting. The idea of practicing righteousness is a good thing. This is not legalism or working FOR our salvation, but being a devoted…

Play

STUMP THE PASTOR!!!

Dr. Sean Cole answers questions spontaneously from the class, without notes or preparation, during "Stump the Pastor" night. The questions asked ranged from the scapegoat legend from the Talmud to the identity of Melchizedek. Pastor Sean answered the question about whether John 8's account of the women caught in adultery should be included in the Bible. This led to a discussion on textual variants…

Play

Be Imitators of God: MATTHEW 5:48

Dr. Sean Cole preached a special Mother's Day sermon on parenting, based on Matthew 5:48. This section of the Sermon on the Mount started at 5:17 and now ends at 5:48 as a summary of the six antitheses. Jesus has addressed six laws or issues that the religious leaders were twisting: (1) murder, (2) adultery, (3) divorce, (4) oaths and vows, (5) retaliation and revenge, and (6) loving our enemies.…

Play

The Vindicator of All Wrongs: MATTHEW 5:38-42

The main idea of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-42 is that we should trust the Lord to vindicate us for our wrongs. This passage has been one of the most misunderstood portions of the Sermon on the Mount, resulting in some strange interpretations and practices. Does this mean we are to be doormats who give up all rights? Does this mean we should never use or endorse violence in any situation?…

Play

ROMANS 16: Paul's Warning and Doxology

Dr. Sean Cole concludes this teaching through Paul's letter to the Romans. In Chapter 16, he discusses the list of names, the role of women in the church, a warning against false teachers who cause division, and the centrality of the gospel as the entire theme of Romans. Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can…

Play

Live Truthfully! MATTHEW 5:33-37

Here is the main point of Jesus' teaching in this passage: Live so truthfully that your word is never questioned. In this sermon, Dr. Sean Cole answers three questions of this text: First, how did the Old Testament explain vows and oaths? (vs 33) Second, how were the religious leaders abusing the taking of oaths and vows? (vs. 34-36) Third, what is the main point of Jesus' teaching on oaths? (vs.…

Play

What God Has Joined Together, Let Not Man Separate: MATTHEW 5:31-32

In this sermon from Matthew 5:31-32, Dr. Sean Cole preaches on divorce. He answers FOUR questions regarding marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Question One: How does the Bible describe marriage? Question Two: How did the religious leaders view divorce? Question Three: What are the biblical grounds for a divorce? Question Four: Is it permissible for a divorced person to remarry? Sean's new book,…

Play

ROMANS 14:1-15:13: Disputable Matters, Christian Freedom, and the Conscience

In Romans 14:1-15:13, Paul addresses the issue of disputable matters or issues of Christian freedom that are not specifically addressed in Scripture. Dr. Sean Cole teaches how we should relate to one another as believers in Christian unity when we disagree on non-negotiable dogmas or doctrines, but on preferences or personal convictions. A church can experience two extremes: One: Legalism…

Play

ROMANS 15:14-33: Paul's Missionary Plans and Prayer Request

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk In Romans 15:14-33, Paul describes his…

Play

ROMANS 13:8-14: Holy Living

In Romans 13:8-14, Paul teaches believers to cast off works of darkness and put on the Lord Jesus Christ. He urges us to live holy lives as we anticipate the Second Coming of Christ. Instead of just saying "no" to sin, we need to see Christ in all of His glory and find that He is more captivating, beautiful, glorious, and worthwhile than the sin before us. The other half of gospel repentance…

Play

ROMANS 13:1-7: Governing Authorities

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk Romans 13 teaches the role of governing…

Play

I Know My Redeemer LIVES! Job 19:25-27 Easter Sermon

Dr. Sean Cole preaches from the book of Job on Resurrection Sunday. He asks three crucial questions: Question One: Do you truly KNOW Jesus as your risen Redeemer? Question Two: Will you SEE Jesus face-to-face when He returns? Question Three: Is Jesus EVERYTHING to you? Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can…

Play

A Sinful Desire or a Single Devotion? MATTHEW 5:27-30

Dr. Sean Cole continues through the Sermon on the Mount. Pastor Sean distilled this passage down into one crucial question: Will your heart choose sinful desires or a single devotion? The single devotion has a double meaning. First and foremost, it means that you have a single devotion to Christ alone as your Lord. But second, if you're married, it means you have a single devotion to your spouse.…

Play

Will You Choosee Rage or Reconciliation? MATTHEW 5:21-26

The main point of this passage comes in a question I want to ask you today: Will your heart choose rage or reconciliation? In this sermon, Dr. Sean Cole explores THREE truths that emerge from this text. First, what is murder according to God's Law? Second, God's Law involved not only actions, but attitudes of the heart and mouth. Third, God's moral law always has a positive element. In reality, we…

Play

ROMANS 12:9-21: Marks of A Christian

In Romans 12:9-21, Paul gives us a great list of very practical ways we live out our faith. This is sanctification in action. And it starts with love. Never lose sight of what God has done for you in the gospel. Let that grace and your identity in Christ serve as the foundation and motivation for you to live a life of JOYFUL Obedience to Jesus out of gratitude for what He's done. We saw the need…

Play

ROMANS 12:3-8: Spiritual Gifts

In Romans 12:3-8, Paul lists spiritual gifts. In this teaching, Dr. Sean Cole goes in-depth and explains the purpose of spiritual gifts. He describes each of the following: Prophecy Serving Teaching Exhortation Giving/Contributing Leadership Mercy Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here:…

Play

SALT and LIGHT: MATTHEW 5:13-16

Matthew 5:13-16 concludes the Beatitudes before Jesus transitions into the Sermon on the Mount, which is how we live out our identity as believers in the Kingdom. Jesus begins with our identity in the Beatitudes before He tells us how to obey or live out our faith as His followers.This section is a bridge between our identity-those blessed by Christ-and what we do-becoming useful to Christ. The…

Play

When Dying is Gain: MATTHEW 5:10-12

Dr. Sean Cole preaches the final Beatitude, and it is shocking. It is so countercultural. So counter-intuitive. So backwards and upside down. This final Beatitude really tells us what the result will be when we actively live out the other Beatitudes as a constant way of life. In this sermon, he asks THREE questions of this passage of Scripture. First of all, is persecution truly a reality in our…

Play

ROMANS 12:1-2: Living Sacrifice

Romans 1-11 teaches what God has done for us in the gospel and focuses totally on our identity in Christ. Paul spent a lot of time on justification by faith and what God the Father has done to save us. He focuses on our election and God's grace and how, from first to last, God has rescued us as guilty sinners by sending Jesus to die in our place. The mercies of God in chapters 1-11 of Romans are…

Play

ROMANS 11

If Romans Chapter 9 focused on God's sovereignty in salvation, Chapter 10 focused on human responsibility-the Jews were stubborn and refused to call on the name of Jesus to be saved. Here's the question Chapter 11 answers: Is this a permanent situation for ethnic Jews? Will they refuse the gospel forever? Will there be a large number of Jews saved one day, like the Gentiles who are coming to faith…

Play

Do You Want a Deeper Fellowship With Christ? Matthew 5:8

Dr. Sean Cole continues through the Beatitudes. Here is the main point or big idea of this Beatitude: A heart purified BY Christ leads to deeper fellowship WITH Christ. This sermon asks three questions of this passage of Scripture. First of all, what does Jesus mean when He speaks about the heart? Second, what does it mean to be pure in heart? Third, what does it really mean that we will see God?…

Play

ROMANS 10: Call Upon the Name of the Lord

Dr. Sean Cole continues the study of Romans. In Chapter 10, we find out that human responsibility is behind why the Jews are not saved-it was their own fault due to their stubborn disobedience. There are two simultaneous truths taught in the Bible that are NOT IN CONFLICT or contradictory: God is absolutely sovereign in His decree of predestination Humans are responsible and accountable This may…

Play

ROMANS 9: Predestination and Reprobation

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk If Israel is God's chosen people, to whom…

Play

Mercy Me! MATTHEW 5:7

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk In this sermon, Dr. Sean Cole preaches the…

Play

Painful Craving...Powerful Contentment: MATTHEW 5:6

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk In Matthew 5:6, we see that painful…

Play

ROMANS 8:31-39: ETERNAL SECURITY

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk Romans 8:31-39 contains some of the…

Play

ROMANS 8:30: Golden Chain of Redemption (Called, Justified, Glorified)

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk Romans 8:30 teaches the GOLDEN Chain of…

Play

Being Nothing but Possessing Everything: MATTHEW 5:5

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk Meekness is not natural. This goes against…

Play

Intense Mourning...Incredible Joy? Matthew 5:4

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk Why is it a blessing to mourn? How will we…

Play

ROMANS 8:29-30 Predestination

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk Romans 8:29-30 teaches us the Golden Chain…

Play

The Blessing of Your Utter Nothingness? MATTHEW 5:1-3

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk Dr. Sean Cole resumes preaching through…

Play

ROMANS 8:26-28

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk Dr. Sean Cole teaches two truths from this…

Play

Being a Healthy Christian in 2026

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk So, how do you grow to be a healthy…

Play

Nails, Spear Shalle Pierce Him Through: JOHN 19:16-37

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk Dr. Sean Cole concludes his sermon series…

Play

God and Sinners Reconciled! ROMANS 5:6-11

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk Dr. Sean Cole continues his sermon series…

Play

O, Come Let Us Adore Him! JOHN 1:14-18

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk Dr. Sean Cole continues his sermon series…

Play

ROMANS 8:13-25

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk Romans Chapter 8 focuses on the role of…

Play

ROMANS 8:1-12

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk , has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk Romans 8:1-12 provides COMFORTING…

Play

Joy...Overflowing! PSALM 98

Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1 https://shop.g3min.org/products/compassionate-calvinism-defending-the-doctrines-of-grace-without-being-a-jerk Dr. Sean Cole begins a sermon series by…

Play