Lectures & Sermons

Inspired by 1 Chronicles 12:32, Rev. Steven R. Martins calls men of the church to be like the Men of Issachar—men marked not merely by strength, but by wisdom, who understood the times and knew what God’s people ought to do. He argues that such discernment is urgently needed today through the recovery of a distinctly biblical worldview, one that sees all of life under the Lordship of Christ and equips believers to think faithfully, build courageously, and labor generationally for the good of church and culture.For more information about the Cántaro Institute, visit https://www.cantaroinstitute.org.The total or partial reproduction of this resource is prohibited by any means or process without our prior, express, and written authorization. Any form of unauthorized use will be prosecuted under the provisions of international copyright laws. All rights reserved.Follow the Cántaro InstituteX: http://twitter.com/cantaroinstInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantaroinstitute/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CantaroInstitute/YouTube: ⁨@cantaroinstitute⁩  For more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

Pastor Doug Wilson presses home the need for applied biblical truth to everyday life.For more information about the Cántaro Institute, visit https://www.cantaroinstitute.org.The total or partial reproduction of this resource is prohibited by any means or process without our prior, express, and written authorization. Any form of unauthorized use will be prosecuted under the provisions of international copyright laws. All rights reserved.Follow the Cántaro InstituteX: http://twitter.com/cantaroinstInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantaroinstitute/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CantaroInstitute/YouTube: ⁨@cantaroinstitute⁩  For more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

Dr. Scott Masson helps us understand the beleaguered anthropology of our age and how it's led to our apostate moment, and provides an answer in the Person and work of Christ.For more information about the Cántaro Institute, visit https://www.cantaroinstitute.org.The total or partial reproduction of this resource is prohibited by any means or process without our prior, express, and written authorization. Any form of unauthorized use will be prosecuted under the provisions of international copyright laws. All rights reserved.Follow the Cántaro InstituteX: http://twitter.com/cantaroinstInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantaroinstitute/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CantaroInstitute/YouTube: ⁨@cantaroinstitute⁩  For more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

Conference speakers at the Niagara 2025 Conference answer audience questions on "Christ & Government."For more information about the Cántaro Institute, visit https://www.cantaroinstitute.org.The total or partial reproduction of this resource is prohibited by any means or process without our prior, express, and written authorization. Any form of unauthorized use will be prosecuted under the provisions of international copyright laws. All rights reserved.Follow the Cántaro InstituteX: http://twitter.com/cantaroinstInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantaroinstitute/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CantaroInstitute/YouTube: ⁨@cantaroinstitute⁩  For more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

Dr. Michael Wagner lectures on how the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms ushered in a legal revolution in Canada that deliberately undermined Canada's explicit Christian heritage. For more information about the Cántaro Institute, visit https://www.cantaroinstitute.org. The total or partial reproduction of this resource is prohibited by any means or process without our prior, express, and written authorization. Any form of unauthorized use will be prosecuted under the provisions of international copyright laws. All rights reserved.Follow the Cántaro InstituteX: http://twitter.com/cantaroinstInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantaroinstitute/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CantaroInstitute/YouTube: ⁨@cantaroinstitute⁩  For more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

Founding Director of the Cántaro Institute, Rev. Steven R. Martins, delivers a stirring message on the Church's role as an ambassador of Christ's Kingdom.Slides: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/spaces/urn%3Aaaid%3Asc%3AVA6C2%3A95d6977c-e655-4f67-ae5f-bad184c14ab4For more information about the Cántaro Institute, visit https://www.cantaroinstitute.org. The total or partial reproduction of this resource is prohibited by any means or process without our prior, express, and written authorization. Any form of unauthorized use will be prosecuted with the provisions of international copyright laws. All rights reserved.Follow the Cántaro Institute:X: http://twitter.com/cantaroinstInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantaroinstitute/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CantaroInstitute/YouTube: ⁨@cantaroinstitute⁩  For more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

Pastor Doug Wilson argues that the Gospel-centred movement had too small a circumference. Christ is the centre of all things!For more information about the Cántaro Institute, visit https://www.cantaroinstitute.org. Follow the Cántaro InstituteX: http://twitter.com/cantaroinstInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantaroinstitute/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CantaroInstitute/YouTube: ⁨@cantaroinstitute⁩  For more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.storeThe total or partial reproduction of this resource is prohibited by any means or process without our prior, express, and written authorization. Any form of unauthorized use will be prosecuted with the provisions of international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

In his lecture "Why Do We Make?" (recorded in February 2025 Richmond Virginia) Ryan Lauterio of the Maker Institute of Studio Art and Theology explores the theological, philosophical, and practical foundations of human creativity through a deeply biblical lens. Drawing from Scripture and personal experience, he emphasizes that making is not merely a cultural or artistic option, but a fundamental aspect of being human—rooted in our created nature as finite beings made in the image of God. Lauterio distinguishes between God's act of creating ex nihilo and humanity’s role in making from what God has already provided. He warns against conflating personal identity with creative output, encouraging artists to work from gratitude rather than a desire for significance or self-justification. He addresses common pitfalls such as perfectionism, narcissism, and idolatry in the arts, and challenges listeners to examine their motivations and callings in the light of Christ's Lordship and mission. Lauterio urges artists to cultivate humility, faithfulness, and theological clarity, making art not to seek glory but to serve God and neighbor. Through Scripture, Pastoral wisdom and story, he calls for a reformation in how the church sees art—not as peripheral, but as a vital, culture-making activity empowered by the Spirit and grounded in the Gospel.Follow the Cántaro InstituteX | Instagram | Facebook | YoutubeFor more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

In this Q&A session following his lecture Imagination Lost: How the Arts Can Help Us Recover Our Imaginations for the World God Created, Ryan Lauterio of the Maker Institute invites listeners to further explore how imagination—when shaped by Scripture and redeemed in Christ—can become a powerful tool for perceiving truth, creating beauty, and participating in God’s redemptive work. Building on themes of artistic renewal, biblical reflection, and the healing of distorted desires, the discussion offers practical and theological insights into how art can glorify God and restore our vision of the world as it was meant to be.Follow the Cántaro InstituteX | Instagram | Facebook | YoutubeFor more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

The dialogue titled "What Is the Good Society?" features a thought-provoking discussion among Christian apologist Dr. Andy Bannister, Muslim scholar Dr. Shabir Ally, and secular humanist Justin Trottier. In this event, each speaker presents their vision of an ideal society, drawing from their respective religious and philosophical perspectives. The conversation delves into topics such as the role of religion in public life, the foundations of morality, and the principles that should guide societal structures.Follow the Cántaro InstituteX | Instagram | Facebook | YoutubeFor more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

The classical debate between Christian apologist Jay Smith and Muslim scholar Dr. Shabir Ally focuses on the question, “Which is the Word of God—the Bible or the Qur’an?” Jay Smith critiques the Qur’an’s claim to divine origin by challenging its eternality, early compilation, and textual preservation, while Shabir Ally defends the Qur’an using five biblical criteria for divine scripture—divine inspiration, beneficial teaching, truthfulness, monotheism, and internal consistency—arguing that according to Islam, the Qur’an meets these standards better than the Bible. The original recording of this event garnered over 950,000 views on YouTube and has now been re-released from the archives for public viewing.Follow the Cántaro InstituteX | Instagram | Facebook | YoutubeFor more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

In this thought-provoking lecture delivered in Richmond, Virginia, in December 2023, Ryan Lauterio of The Maker Institute explores the profound relationship between art and faith. Challenging the modern tendency to view art as a secular or autonomous endeavor, Lauterio contends that art cannot be rightly understood apart from faith, nor can it be divorced from the person and work of Jesus Christ. Drawing on theological insight and cultural critique, he calls listeners to reconsider art not merely as expression or aesthetic, but as a deeply spiritual act that reflects our understanding of truth, beauty, and the Creator Himself.Follow the Cántaro InstituteX | Instagram | Facebook | YoutubeFor more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

In a world where the kingdom of darkness rages against Christ and His church—through cultural mockery, unjust laws, and spiritual rebellion—we take heart knowing that Christ is already enthroned, the strong man is bound, and His Kingdom is advancing until every enemy is defeated. As Institute founder Rev. Steven R. Martins explains at the Go & Teach Conference 2025, our victory is assured because the King reigns. Follow the Cántaro InstituteX | Instagram | Facebook | YoutubeFor more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

In this study of the Book of Ecclesiastes at Sevilla Chapel, Rev. Steven R. Martins exposits the passage of Ecclesiastes 4:1-3, which speaks about the injustice and oppression we witness in our fallen world, and the hope we have in God to bring judgment and restoration.Follow the Cántaro InstituteX | Instagram | Facebook | YoutubeFor more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

In this study of the Book of Ecclesiastes at Sevilla Chapel, Rev. Steven R. Martins exposits the passage of Ecclesiastes 3:18-22, which highlights human mortality and the shared fate of humans and animals, emphasizing life's fleeting nature. It encourages finding joy in daily tasks, fostering humility before God, and gratitude for present blessings.Follow the Cántaro InstituteX | Instagram | Facebook | YoutubeFor more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

In this lecture, Dr. David Robinson of Westminster Chapel delves into the Reformational principle of Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), examining its profound roots within the historic Protestant Reformation and its enduring significance. By exploring the theological and historical context in which Sola Scriptura emerged as a central tenet of the Reformation, we uncover how it served as both a critique of ecclesiastical traditions that eclipsed the authority of Scripture and a call to return to God’s Word as the ultimate standard for faith and practice. Follow the Cántaro InstituteX | Instagram | Facebook | YoutubeFor more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

Dr. Ted Van Raalte delivers an insightful lecture on the Reformation in Europe, exploring its theological, cultural, and ecclesiastical transformations. With a focus on key figures like Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli, he examines the Reformation’s impact on the church and society, highlighting the enduring significance of sola scriptura and the recovery of the gospel. Dr. Van Raalte skillfully connects historical events to modern Christian life, emphasizing God's providence in shaping the faith. Follow the Cántaro InstituteX | Instagram | Facebook | YoutubeFor more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

The Spanish Reformation, though overshadowed by Protestant movements in Germany and England, reveals a powerful yet suppressed testimony to God’s work through faithful believers, as explained by Rev. Steven R. Martins at the Niagara Conference 2024. Figures like Julian Hernández, a daring smuggler of Reformed literature, Constantino Ponce de la Fuente, a covert preacher of biblical truth, and Casiodoro de Reina and Cipriano de Valera, translators of the enduring Reina-Valera Bible, exemplify courage, faith, and the transformative power of God’s Word amidst fierce opposition.Follow the Cántaro InstituteX | Instagram | Facebook | YoutubeFor more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

This lecture by Rev. Kasey Horvath at the Niagara Conference 2024 explores the doctrine of confession and repentance, drawing insights from Psalm 51 and the teachings of the Reformers, particularly Martin Luther’s 95 Theses. It emphasizes the biblical components of true penitence—contrition (how one feels about sin), confession (acknowledging sin before God), and repentance (a change of heart and behavior). Contrition reflects the emotional weight of guilt, confession brings cleansing through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, and repentance demonstrates transformation through measurable change in one’s actions. Highlighting the Reformers' focus on these doctrines, the lecture connects historical theological insights with practical applications for believers today, urging a holistic understanding of faith, repentance, and sanctification as vital aspects of Christian life and witness.Follow the Cántaro InstituteX | Instagram | Facebook | YoutubeFor more information, go to cantaroinstitute.orgFor books on worldview, philosophy and theology, go to cantaroinstitute.store

Dr. Ted Van Raalte expounds on 1 John 2:15-17, emphasizing that we are not to love the world, for opposites should not attract; God's people have been set apart and are called to remain distinct, living in service to God and fulfilling His redemptive purposes within the world.

Dr. David Robinson, upcoming speaker for the Niagara Conference 2024: Post Tenebras Lux, explores the narrative in Luke’s gospel as it relates to the early life of Jesus and his family, delving into the rich details that shape our understanding of His early years.

Rev. Kasey Horvath, upcoming speaker for the Niagara Conference 2024: Post Tenebras Lux, explores the profound blessings we have in Christ—election, redemption, and adoption—reflecting on how God’s love shapes our understanding of election and predestination, our core identity, and the freedom we’ve found from sin and trespass.

In this study of the Book of Ecclesiastes at Sevilla Chapel, Rev. Steven R. Martins continues to deconstruct and exposit the passage of Ecclesiastes 3:9-17, where we learn that man must acknowledge God for who He is, and to be thankful for His grace towards us in light of who we are. Furthermore, we hear the wise words of God's transcendent and mystifying glory, and the judgment awaiting the wicked. This lecture is two spliced into one due to a technical recording issue.

In this study of the Book of Ecclesiastes at Sevilla Chapel, Rev. Steven R. Martins continues to deconstruct and exposit the passage of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, where we see that there is a time and a season for everything under the sun, as instructed by the discernible voice of Lady Wisdom.

In this study of the Book of Ecclesiastes at Sevilla Chapel, Rev. Steven R. Martins deconstructs and exposits the passage of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, where we see that there is a time and a season for everything under the sun, as instructed by the discernible voice of Lady Wisdom.

In this study of the Book of Ecclesiastes at Sevilla Chapel, Rev. Steven R. Martins deconstructs and exposits the passage of Ecclesiastes 2:18-26, where we see the contrast of work and toil, and how the simplest of things can and ought to be enjoyed under the light of God's truth and grace.

 In this study of the Book of Ecclesiastes at Sevilla Chapel, Rev. Steven R. Martins deconstructs and exposits the passage of Ecclesiastes 2:12-17, where the King simply asks, What is the point of being wise if the wise in the end dies just as the fool? 

In this study of the Book of Ecclesiastes at Sevilla Chapel, Rev. Steven R. Martins deconstructs and exposits the passage of Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, where the voice of the Qohelet (Compiler) recounts the Eden Project and how it failed to rid itself of the futility that the rest of creation is made subject to.

Why is it important to develop in our children a distinctly Christian worldview? How is a Christian education fundamentally different from non-Christian education? At the presuppositional level, Christian education is not 75 or 90 percent different from non-Christian education, it is totally and radically different. Institute founder Steven R. Martins explains during his lecture at the OCHEC 2024 Convention at Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario.

In this study of the Book of Ecclesiastes at Sevilla Chapel, Rev. Steven R. Martins deconstructs and exposits the literary "Introduction" of the book, the passage of Ecclesiastes 1:12-18, where the voices of the Qohelet (Compiler) and the young rabbi (teacher) apprentices are introduced.

In this study of the Book of Ecclesiastes at Sevilla Chapel, Rev. Steven R. Martins deconstructs and exposits what some call "The Preface" of the book, the passage of Ecclesiastes 1:1-11, which introduces its literary thesis: All of life is "Vanity" (Hevel).

In these two-part lectures, Institute associate Josué  Reichow explains the philosophical origins of critical theory, providing an analysis, notably in the works of the Frankfurt School in the early 20th century. Alongside that, he explores the relationship between critical theory and its postmodern and neo-marxist connections, attempting to map out the current landscape of identity politics, presenting a Christian critique and response to the ways in which critical theory interprets reality in different dimensions. 

In these two-part lectures, Institute associate Josué  Reichow explains the philosophical origins of critical theory, providing an analysis, notably in the works of the Frankfurt School in the early 20th century. Alongside that, he explores the relationship between critical theory and its postmodern and neo-marxist connections, attempting to map out the current landscape of identity politics, presenting a Christian critique and response to the ways in which critical theory interprets reality in different dimensions. 

You have heard about the sexual revolution in the 60s, but did you know that there was a second sexual revolution? And that what we are witnessing today is the third sexual revolution? Christian intellectual Vishal Mangalwadi explains the history and the cultural and religious implications of these revolutions.

You have heard about the sexual revolution in the 60s, but did you know that there was a second sexual revolution? And that what we are witnessing today is the third sexual revolution? Christian intellectual Vishal Mangalwadi explains the history and the cultural and religious implications of these revolutions.

From politics and science, to academia and technology, how did the Bible serve as the key to unlock the Western mind? Given the role that the Bible has occupied in the development of a civilization’s greatness, what misguided beliefs threaten to unravel the progress thus far achieved? The Bible is more than a book of antiquity, it transforms hearts and nations, as Vishal Mangalwadi explains at the 2023 Niagara Conference.

The fractured individualism evident in our culture has made people seek forms of identity in pursuit of freedom, but it is a freedom never attained and at cost of the family. The cultural challenge we face is enormous, but the Bible teaches that the family, and fathers in particular, are responsible for the education of their children. Join Dr. Scott Masson as he speaks on the holistic vision of biblical teaching as the path to true freedom at the 2023 Niagara Conference.

How can we trust our Bibles when there has been so much time between now and when the authors wrote the originals? Hasn’t the text been corrupted over all those years?  Wesley Huff of Apologetics Canada, at the Institute's 2023 Niagara Conference, answers these questions and provides a solid historical case for the faithful preservation of the inspired Word.

The inspired Word is the divine THESIS, the lens by which we can see the world for what it truly is, and the guiding principle by which we ought to order our lives.  Institute founder Rev. Steven R. Martins at the 2023 Niagara Conference explains how outside of the worldview parameters provided by Scripture, man can truly know nothing.

Achilles, Odysseus, and Adam, what did these figures have in common? They are the protagonists of great epic literature (Homer's The Iliad, The Odyssey; Milton's Paradise Lost). Does the Bible contain any such epic? Dr. Scott Masson answers the question with a resoundant "yes".

What has Wittenberg to do with Florence? What relation did the protestant reformation have with the Renaissance? How did Martin Luther fit in? What about Erasmus? Josué Reichow provides us an enlightening historical survey.

The Bible features various genres, perspectives, and literary devices, and is regarded as the greatest composition of literature in all of history, and that is not even considering its divine inspiration. How can we appreciate the Bible as literature from a Christian perspective? Dr. Scott Masson (Tyndale UC) offers his thoughts.

What is epiphany? The word "epiphany" can be defined as a "manifestation of God", as what we see in the advent passage of Matthew 2:1-12, when the Christ was manifested to the magi. Rev. Steven R. Martins explains the biblical meaning of "epiphany" and what Christ's revealed identity means for us.

What does the incarnation of Jesus Christ mean? What did the early church have to say about it? What were the implications of one's view of the incarnation? Rev. Steven R. Martins explains that the very historic nature of Christianity makes it a unique, real, and living faith, over against materialist or spiritual heresies.

From what we can glean from Jonah 3, in light of the teachings of the New Testament, God's church has been entrusted with a mission to make the gospel known to all the nations. As Rev. Steven R. Martins explains, we who have experienced God's mercy should desire that others experience it as well. 

In an increasingly sexualized culture, how are we to raise our children? What parental tactics are actually myths when it comes to preparing our children? What biblical instruction can we find toward instilling a Christian worldview understanding of sexuality? CI Associate Joe (Joseph) Owen answers these questions and more.

What is the relationship between reason (rationality) and religion? What is subservient to what? In this lecture, Rev. Steven R. Martins explains the nature of rationality and religion. Originally delivered in Edmonton, AB, Canada.

How can we make sense of what we see in the church in regard to its liturgy and the rise of hypermodernity? CI Associate Josué Reichow invites to discover the answer to this question in his lecture originally delivered at L'Abri UK.

In Mark 14:43-52, we read of a man who is unlike any other man, free from all sin and corruption, absolutely perfect in every way; who was sent by the Father to be the Messiah and Saviour of the world; and yet He is betrayed by one of his own. How can we understand Jesus’ betrayal and arrest? Originally delivered in St. Catharines, ON, Canada.

How do we understand Paul's writing in 1 Corinthians 1:4-9? In one of his earlier sermons, Rev. Steven R. Martins explains how the grace of God gives us faith, how the grace of God enriches us, and how the grace of God transforms our lives, a testament of His everlasting faithfulness. Originally delivered in St. Catharines, ON, Canada.