Sea of Fire Ministries

James Meyers, III considers how we define Canon, and how divergent this subject can be. He gives 3 main definitions, which at first seem mutually exclusive. However, James thinks they are not and in fact all 3 can be useful to define what is Canon. While this doesn’t immediately address the problems discussed in our first session, it is the proper starting point for a proper perspective before considering how we respond to those problems. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III continues his sermon series on The Book of the Twelve through the prophet, Hosea. Hosea’s marriage, and subsequently his family life, is to reflect our marriage union with God. Just as Hosea’s wife, Gomer, forsakes him and has illegitimate children, so the people of God, though betrothed to God through our sacred covenant which He has sealed, forsake God and produce dead fruits. However, even through the righteous judgments of God, His mercies abound as He promises to purchase His people through the priceless blood of Christ to secure His people to Himself. Thus, we might rightly pray, “He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III begins a series considering how we received the New Testament canon, how this term compares with “Scripture,” how we define “canon,” and more. In this session, he lays out many of the problems that arise when discussing the Tew Testament Canon which will be answered in this series. However, he wants the Christian to “grasp the weight” of the problems, and thus, purposefully leaves the audience in anticipation. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III begins a sermon series regarding what are commonly called the “Minor Prophets” due to shorter books as compared to the “Major Prophets.” While James understands the reason for this terminology, he fears it may minimize their contributions, and so prefers the designation of “The Book of the Twelve.” Today, he introduces the prophets, and the first of the Minor Prophets,” Hosea. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

To conclude this series, James Meyers, III considers the power of executing authority within the institutions of state and church. James continues discussing what the apostle, Paul, said in the thirteenth chapter of his Epistle to the Romans, but considers other instances within the Bible to get a better idea as to what is being communicated. While there are times and occasions when it is necessary to be disobedient to these institutions, and while either institution may stray from God’s authority, we must be humbly mindful of our duties as Christians and be slow to disobey. All authority is under God, and we must therefore find our obedience in accordance with His will. While this series has been something of a critique of Secularism, it has been repeated that we have no repudiation of that which is secular. Sea of Fire on YouTube

James Meyers, III discusses the relationship between church and state, and how these are differing arenas of authority, but how they are both under the True Author of authority, God Himself Who gave Christ all authority in heaven and on earth. James traces the aspect of civil government from the Garden of Eden to today and considers how the Christian lives under the secular civil authorities. Additionally, he considers how secular governments are to govern outside the parameters of Church Government. This is a timely message for all Christians, but particularly we who live in America. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers the relationship between the natural sciences and the theological sciences. Since the closing of the 19th century, there has been an increasing antipathy from one community toward the other, whereas, historically, that was not the case. James traces some of the events which led to this, but desires the Christian to embrace natural science because “all truth is God’s truth.” Historically, there have been times when Science has corrected Theology. There have, also, been times when Theology has corrected Science. We are now in one of those times and the Christian is not to retreat to some form of mysticism, but to reveal the philosophical biases and illogical deductions of the modern scientist. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers some of the history of the Literary Arts, and when we began shifting to a more image based society. While observing some of the effects of this shift, James encourages the Christian to be People of the Word in order that we might reach this generation of images. We do not seek to remove or restrict these media, but rather return to a cogent and linguistic approach which we can refine through reading the Word and Classical Christian Literature. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Having considered many of the major secular philosophies, James Meyers, III begins to discuss certain areas of life in which philosophy is involved. In this session, James discusses the beauty found in art. The iconoclastic age has wearied many Christians into detesting art entirely, or perhaps are ambivalent. James encourages Christians to return to the love of art as has been historical. Beauty is of God, and we are to seek “to behold the beauty of the LORD” (Psalm 139:4) and to “worship Him in the beauty of His holiness” (Psalm 29:2). James considers how we might establish the objectivity of beauty, and how it most certainly is not “in the eye of the beholder.” Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers III considers the philosophy known in academic circles as Hedonism. While Hedonism might be fairly unknown or misunderstood, many contemporary philosophers opine that the West is a hedonistic culture. In its nascent form, it seeks optimal pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the ultimate pursuit of life. James considers this and compares the philosophy of Stoicism which unexpectedly has more in common with Hedonism than one might think. He then contrasts these systems with the Christian pursuit of pleasure.  Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III discusses perhaps the most well known secular philosophy commonly known as either Relativism or Pluralism. Having introduced some preceding philosophies which helped shape the world into Relativism, James discusses the ramifications of stripping unity from diversity. Particularly through the postmodern era which sought to deconstruct “societal truths,” we have lost the metanarrative as a society. It is in this vacuum where we find ourselves battling for causes which for the Christian are absolute, but for society are relative. So, when we confront the crisis of abortion, for example, we run into a quandary of truths without Truth, purposes without Purpose, values without Value. Indeed, Relativism cannot endure long as it is self-refuting, but the real crisis is found in the Church itself, where Pluralism has been embraced by many. How are we, as Christians, to answer? Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers the prodigious epistemology given by the great 18th century thinker, Immanuel Kant. So impactful were his contributions to the world that perhaps no other contemporary philosophy should or can be rightly considered without them. The American Revolution is seen by some to be the greatest revolution in the past few hundred years. However, James believes, agreeing with many erudite and able historians, that the Kantian Revolution has truly shaped our modern world more than any other. Even so, while Kant restricts us to “the world of appearances,” and therefore without God, it is our task to break down the wall which he built, and has stood since; nay, to show that there is no wall. Christ, the True Joshua, has shattered it to pieces. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III discusses the secular philosophy called Positivism, probably the least familiar philosophy discussed in this series. However, Positivism enjoyed much prominence and was later developed into Logical Positivism before it was rejected, but eroded into other philosophies, such as Pluralism/Relativism. James considers the father of Positivism, Auguste Comte and proceeds to trace its influence to our own day. In a world which embraces the axiom, “Seeing is believing,” we want to consider the limitations of our sense perception, and understand that we cannot see that statement and thus belies itself. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers the philosophy called Pragmatism, which is an inherently American philosophy. As was mentioned in the first session, the “ism” indicates a philosophical perspective. Being pragmatic and a follower of Pragmatism are two quite different things. The Pragmatist believes that whatever works is therefore good, thus establishing a relativistic ethic and a disparate logical system. James believes rather than trying to squeeze this philosophy out of the mainstream, we engage them within their own worldview with the Gospel which is as practical as it is true. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III discusses the philosophy of Humanism, which has a long and somewhat twisted history. James believes this philosophy can be traced to the fall of Man by a serpent rather than a human being. As optimistic as secular humanism became, James shows its utter naïveté and how it is rationally circular, and therefore fallacious and untenable. He concludes with a Christian admonition that while the Humanist proclaims, “Homo mensura (Man, the measure),” the Christian is to look to the One of Whom was said, “Ecce Homo (Behold the Man).” Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III discusses Christian existentialism as found in the nineteenth century Dane, Søren Kiergegaard. While James finds Kierkegaard to be the greatest existential thinker, he communicates some areas in which he disagrees. However, these disagreements notwithstanding, James finds Kierkegaard to be one of the last sincere Christians, not only in what he said, but, more importantly, and perhaps more effectively, in how he lived. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers the philosophy of Existentialism. While perhaps a familiar term, few are able to define it. However, James finds it to be perhaps the most influential secular philosophy and it also enjoyed a fairly swift popularity as compared to other philosophies. James discusses two very influential men who, in their lives, propagated existentialism, albeit in diametrically opposing ways: the nihilistic existentialist, Friedrich Nietzsche and his counterpart, the Christian existentialist, Søren Kierkegaard.   Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III begins a series considering a variety of worldviews which have infiltrated and been subsumed in the present Western culture. In the first section of the series, James will discuss these worldviews under the general category of Secularism. The Church tends to see Secularism as worldliness, which James dismisses. However, some of the irreligious underpinnings have seeped into our society. It is James’s opinion that we have all been subjected and succumbed to many of Secularism’s assumptions, not only in the West, but also in the Church. If the Church desires relevance, She must shake off the dust of over a century’s ruination, and return to a Biblical understanding and see the world as God intends and to declare the richness of the Gospel. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III concludes this series which has been an overview of the Trinity by considering the eternal love between the Persons of the Trinity and how the people of God are brought into the unity of love that is everlasting. In this session, James discusses how Christ and the Holy Spirit have been sent to send us, just as Abraham was blessed to be a blessing. As we are joined into the eternal fellowship within the Godhead, we are to multiply and fill the earth by preaching the Gospel and calling the saints of God to Himself. Just as Christ and the Spirit only declare what they have heard, so the church only declares what we have received, that God might be glorified according to His own precepts. Sea of Fire Ministries onn YouTube

Having given a historical overview regarding the Doctrine of the Trinity, James Meyers, III considers what the Bible says about the House of God. Should we be sons and daughters of God the Father, where are we to find our home? Is it in the church? Are we to seek the House of God, or does He establish our house? James considers this and more in hopes it enriches and encourages the Saints of God. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III reflects upon a variety of heresies which arose during the Early Church, and shows their incongruity with Scripture while, also, admitting much of Christian Orthodoxy may not have been developed without them. Often in Church History, it has been in the eras of the greatest errors when the Church has needed to correct and refute both confusion and impetuosity, and thereby has better defined Her Faith. In this session, James discusses the Chalcedonian Creed or Definition which actually did not define the Hypostasis of God the Son, but rather defined what it is not. Much remains a mystery and it is the privilege of every Saint of God to wonder at the wonderful, to plunge the depths of infinity, to meditate upon the inexhaustible, to count the stars if we are able. May God give us His grace however to remain in the Way of Truth in the Abundant Life given to us toward that eternal glory, which will still be joyfully full of wonder. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III takes us through some biblical passages referring to the Person of the Holy Spirit prior to discussing the historical development of Pneumatology in our next session. As vital as the study of Christology is, James believes the study of the Person and Work of God the Holy Spirit is one which is in dire need today. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers a variety of theological terms which were used somewhat interchangeably in the early church, but were clarified prior to the Council of Constantinople in 381 A.D. While perhaps this might seem pedantic or fastidious on the surface, it can assist us to understand what is being expressed when we discuss the Divine Trinity. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III continues considering the early development of Christology which began prior to and became furiously threatened following the Council of Nicea, and yet defended and articulated in particular through the great and unwavering theologian, Athanasius. James discusses some of his main contributions while setting the historical scene through which orthodoxy was to emerge victorious. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III discusses what led to the first ecumenical council which took place in Nicea in 325 A.D. He begins with the church’s birth at Pentecost and briefly considers the theological climate prior to Constantine calling bishops from all the empire to meet in Nicea and what caused the foundational and necessary creed produced at this great council. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

In our second session considering the Doctrine of the Trinity, James Meyers, III discusses the distinction between the Ontological Trinity and the Economic Trinity which he then develops into what is referred to the hypostasis of God, or simply what is foundational to Him, and the ekstasis of God, or what proceeds from, or comes out of, God. In this, James hopes to show that the hypostasis of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is in ekstasis. Perhaps to put it tersely, who God is, He expresses and desires to share with Mankind. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III begins a new series regarding the historical development in understanding the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. In this session, he considers how we might view the Trinity in light of God’s revelation through the Son of God and how recent scholastic criticism misunderstands the distinctions between a contradiction, a paradox, and a mystery. James shows how the Trinity is quite mysterious, but how it is still, by God’s grace, knowable though not exhaustively. Man should seek to know the God Who is how He reveals Himself, and not how we might imagine Him to be. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III concludes this series considering the Decalogue through the Christian perspective by considering the tenth commandment forbidding coveting and summarizing the whole Law as Christ did. He considers why we are commanded to love our neighbor as a fulfillment of loving God. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers the ninth commandment forbidding false testimony. If we call ourselves Christians, then when we lie, we make His name futile. As Christ is the absolute Truth, we are to be those of trustworthy testimony to His glory and our peace in sanctification. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers the eighth commandment forbidding stealing. As theft is a violation of a person’s personal property, James discusses how the victim and God are violated when this commandment is broken. The prophet, Malachi, asks, “Will a man rob God?” The Christian must mediate how we are not only forbidden to steal, but how we might give to the glory of God. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III discusses the sacred institution of marriage and how our age has sought to demean it. The analogy of marriage where God is our husband as found in the Scriptures gives us better light into the solemnity of a husband and wife coming together. James, also, considers what Adam said about his wife before the fall and how this prophetic word is to be applied to marriages ordained by God. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers what he perceives to be the first anthropological commandment, namely, the sixth commandment forbidding murder. He briefly discusses two of the most pressing issues in our day, capital punishment, abortion, and suicide before discussing what Christ said about this commandment. As it is forbidden to unjustly take life, so it is commanded to promote it. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers the Fifth Commandment which he believes to be a transition into the anthropocentric table of the Law. Many commentators say this commandment is the first law of the Second Table. However, James discusses why he believes it belongs in the First Table and how we obey this command, and the possible reason God places this commandment before forbidding murder. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III discusses the Fourth Commandment culminating in the Lord’s Day. As He is Lord of the Sabbath, James considers how the Christian should see the blessings found therein.  Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers the Third Commandment, first as following the Second, then proceeding with a more encompassing interpretation of what it is to take the name of the Lord God in vain. According to James, this Commandment is typically viewed as something fairly shallow, but he hopes to show its profound depths.  Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III briefly considers the sanctions and the rewards which are found in obeying or disobeying the second commandment. Are curses and blessings generational? James considers this and how the Roman Catholic Church teaches the veneration of the saints. It is our opinion that though She makes distinctions which avoid idolatry, it is a distinction without a difference. However, our intention is not to condemn Rome, but to edify the Reformed as to how we might communicate with our Roman Catholic Brothers and Sisters. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

Before diving into a deeper consideration of the second commandment in our next session, James Meyers, III discusses how we see humanity in light of being made in the image and likeness of God. Do the fallen bear this image? James considers this and more in this session. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

In this session, James Meyers, III considers the first and the second commandments together before discussing the second in particular. As Paul warned the Athenians on Mars Hill against superstition, he goes on to declare why it is not only vain, but woefully sinful and self defeating. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers the first commandment as is found in the Reformed faith. Whatever one’s order may be regarding the order of the Decalogue, we would be wise to recognize, in humility and reverence, this blessed Command precedes all the others because all of the others would be utterly bereft of meaning without it. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers Calvin’s third use of God’s Law, namely, as revelation. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers the profundity and application of the prologue to the Decalogue, or the Ten Commandments. There are a variety of views as to the order of the Commandments James briefly reviews some before giving the Reformed position. He, also, discusses how the Law is to be used as a restraint for the Christian. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers the first office or usage of the law of God as John Calvin defined as a mirror which reflects the nature of God and how it convicts the Christian toward Holiness. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III begins a new series regarding the Law and how it applies to the Christian. Today, he introduces the subject by citing Old Testament passages before considering what the apostle Paul said in the third chapter in Galatians. In our age, it would seem there are only two positions: antinomianism or legalism. James Meyers, III says a pox on both those houses. Through this series, we hope you gain a new appreciation for God’s Law. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers the stark warning of St. James found in the first half of his fifth chapter. St. James draws his readers into a great exhortation toward endurance which is a blessing from God in His divine and sovereign will. However, he uses an unlikely example, the suffering Job, who does not appear very patient at first glance. James Meyers discusses how we can be encouraged by what St. James says about this intriguing Old Testament servant of God. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III concludes our consideration of the Epistle of James by discussing what is written about the veracity and trustworthiness of our word, which is very reflective of what Christ said. All of this blessed letter has led to this wonderful conclusion which is precipitated by a most striking qualifier: “Above all.” When the great apostle gives such a call to attention, we ought to give such greater attention. James Meyers does so by encouraging Christians toward looking to Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III gives a brief overview of certain philosophical systems which pervade our age and even the Church, in particular in the realm of how we view time. James considers this as a preliminary message going into the concluding passage found in the fourth chapter of the Epistle of St. James. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers what St. James said rebuking presumptive and boastful planning. While planning is not itself inherently evil, when done outside the confines of God’s will, it is arrogant and therefore, sinful, as St. James concludes the fourth chapter. James discusses some historical secular ideas which tend to emerge even within the Christian conscience. The Christian worldview is one which is seen within an eternal timeframe, and thus, as R.C. Sproul articulated, “Right now counts forever.” Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers what St. James said about the infighting which sadly takes place within the church. While conflicts have raged since the beginning, it is incongruous that the Church should reflect the battles waged in the world. All such strife are children of pride and envy; but God gives grace to the humble. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers what St. James said regarding how to overcome the world. As Christ has overcome the world, even so, we are thus equipped to overcome as well. This is done through a true submission to God, a relentless resistance to the devil, and an ever humbly repentant heart seeking God’s forgiveness and lifting us nearer to Him. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube

James Meyers, III considers what St. James said regarding wisdom which is found in the third chapter of his epistle. There is, indeed, a wisdom of this world which is to be distinguished from the wisdom which is of heaven, which is another way of saying wisdom which is from God. Wisdom sown from above reaps good fruits, while wisdom from below reaps bad works. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube