Ultimately with R.C. Sproul

Good deeds aren't simply behaviors that have good effects. Unless our actions are driven by a genuine desire to please God, they are not ultimately good in His sight. Today, R.C. Sproul explains what it takes for anyone to do good deeds. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/doesnt-everybody-do-good/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

Some people claim they don't believe in objective rules of right and wrong--until you steal their wallet. Today, R.C. Sproul reveals the real reason why people try, and fail, to be moral relativists. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-myth-of-moral-relativism/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

Is man basically good? Compared to whom? Today, R.C. Sproul asks us to consider the standard of perfection—that is, the divine perfection of God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-measure-of-perfection/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

God always keeps His word—and so should we. Today, R.C. Sproul exhorts us to be people of the Word and people of our word. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/our-word-is-valuable/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

“If God is good, why is there evil?” Some critics ask this question to try and discredit the Christian faith. Today, R.C. Sproul reminds us that there is an even more essential question that the skeptic must first answer. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-real-problem-of-evil/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

The city of man asks that we value the things of this world. Once we are in Christ, we are called to a far greater purpose. Today, R.C. Sproul reminds us that we are members of the city of God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-key-to-a-transformed-life/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Because human beings are made in the image of God, our lives are sacred. How should this direct the way Christians think about capital punishment? Today, R.C. Sproul appeals to a passage in Scripture that answers this question directly. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/is-capital-punishment-biblical/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

To violate God’s commandments is not only immoral—it’s foolish. Today, R.C. Sproul teaches that true wisdom, happiness, and well-being come from listening regularly to the counsel of our Creator. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-way-to-be-wise/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

The reason we should seek to understand the doctrine of God is so we can better know God Himself. Today, R.C. Sproul explains why theology is so important in our relationship with the Lord. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/whats-so-important-about-theology/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Today, R.C. Sproul does not shrink back from describing what we must be willing to endure if we are to follow Christ faithfully in this world. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/take-up-your-cross/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

How we think about God determines how we think about the world and our lives in it. Today, R.C. Sproul testifies to the importance of theology for every aspect of the Christian life. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-key-to-a-christian-worldview/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

Is the doctrine of the Trinity an irrational contradiction? Today, R.C. Sproul answers an objection to the Christian faith and explains why the triune nature of God is logically coherent. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/is-the-trinity-a-contradiction/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

The doctrine of creation is under attack by people seeking to escape the authority of God’s Word. Today, R.C. Sproul demonstrates that science and reason demand a self-existent Creator in order to explain the universe as we know it. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/in-the-beginning-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

Some thinkers claim that by casting God out of its thinking, the Western world has finally entered maturity. Today, R.C. Sproul shows that our culture is actually in a state of juvenile rebellion. Listen on Apple Podcasts or your podcast platform of choice. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-enlightenment-of-the-western-world/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2025

The more we understand the holiness of God, the more we will pursue lives of holiness as we seek to bring Him glory. Today, R.C. Sproul explains what happens as we contemplate the character of our Lord. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/understanding-the-holiness-of-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2025

The Lord does not tolerate men who exercise tyranny over their wives. Today, R.C. Sproul speaks on the responsibility of husbands to protect and care for their wives and what should be done when this commitment is violated. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/husbands-love-your-wives/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2025

Since the gospel is God’s message, it bears the weight of His authority. Today, R.C. Sproul reminds us of our role as delegated messengers of the King. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-authority-of-the-gospel/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

The sovereign rule of God is manifested just as much in tragedy as it is in prosperity. Today, R.C. Sproul calls us to reflect on the providence of God in every circumstance, including our pain and sorrow, so that we may mature in wisdom. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/consider-the-hand-of-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 20 January 2025

How will we worship—according to the whims and preferences of the world or according to the direction of God’s Word? Today, R.C. Sproul urges us to maintain confidence in God’s way for doing His work. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/worshiping-god-in-gods-way/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2025

Our freedom is limited by God’s freedom, not the other way around. Today, R.C. Sproul clarifies how the sovereignty of God relates to the freedom of the human will. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/gods-freedom-and-ours/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 13 January 2025

We cannot divorce the Christian faith from reason and rational thinking. Today, R.C. Sproul teaches that the mind plays an important role in our walk with Christ. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/a-rational-faith/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2025

What would it mean to you if you could look visibly into the face of Christ? Today, R.C. Sproul considers the joy of Simeon when he was privileged to gaze at the face of the baby Jesus. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/looking-into-the-face-of-christ/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2025

Christianity is not a leap into irrationality. Today, R.C. Sproul teaches that the Christian faith engages not only the heart, but also the mind. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/there-is-no-mindless-christianity/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 1 January 2025

In every generation, superstition threatens to invade the church’s faith and practice. Today, R.C. Sproul shows us the way of distinguishing between the truth of God and modern-day magic tricks. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/religion-and-superstition/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2024

Christmas is a day of cosmic political importance, for this day recalls the birth of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Today, R.C. Sproul reminds us that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to the One who was born in Bethlehem. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-government-shall-be-upon-his-shoulder/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

We must not avert our eyes from God’s law. Today, R.C. Sproul teaches that as this mirror reveals our moral blemishes, it alerts us to our need of the gospel. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/look-into-the-mirror-of-gods-law/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2024

When Jesus Christ entered the world, a great light dawned over a world darkened by sin. Today, R.C. Sproul marvels at the radiant hope that accompanied the birth of the Savior. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/a-great-light-for-those-in-darkness/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2024

Everyone is in a personal relationship with God. The question is, is it a relationship of hostility or of reconciliation? Today, R.C. Sproul calls us to assess our standing before our Creator. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/your-relationship-with-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

The way we treat God’s name reveals whether we truly regard Him as holy. Today, R.C. Sproul helps us evaluate the attitude of our hearts toward the Lord. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/hallowed-be-your-name/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2024

It is a sacred and solemn matter to swear an oath or take a vow in the name of God. Today, R.C. Sproul explains why we should take it seriously when we invoke our Creator’s holy name. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/vowing-in-the-name-of-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2024

If we ever think we’re without sin in this life, it’s proof that we either have a superficial understanding of God’s law or an incredible view of our performance. Today, R.C. Sproul warns of the fatal theology of perfectionism. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-problem-with-perfectionism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2024

Christianity is not a mere list of dos and don’ts. Nevertheless, the relationship we have with our Lord includes loving His law. Today, R.C. Sproul speaks on the importance of God’s law in the Christian life. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/if-you-love-me-keep-my-commandments/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2024

Many of us have witnessed the consequences when people fail to fulfill their promises. But all the promises of our omnipotent God are yes and amen in Christ. Today, R.C. Sproul speaks to the absolute reliability of God and His Word. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/god-will-keep-his-promises/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2024

Do the moral commandments recorded in the Old Testament apply to Christians? Today, R.C. Sproul speaks to the ongoing relevance of God’s law for His people. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/does-gods-law-still-apply/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2024

Although God is infinitely greater than the words we use to describe Him, we can still say true and meaningful things about the Lord. Today, R.C. Sproul explains the significance of anthropomorphic language in Scripture and theology. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/describing-god-in-human-terms/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2024

Should Christians fear God, or was the fear of the Lord restricted to the Old Testament? Today, R.C. Sproul prompts us to approach the Holy One with reverence and awe. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/do-you-fear-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2024

In a society that flinches at the very idea of submitting to authority, Christians gladly bend the knee to their sovereign Lord. Today, R.C. Sproul reminds us that we’re called to live under the authority of God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/living-under-the-authority-of-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

God has a purpose for our pain, and a time is coming when He will call each of us to die. Today, R.C. Sproul describes the perspective we gain when we understand that suffering is part of our calling as Christians. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/called-to-suffer/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2024

God transcends our highest thoughts of Him, but that doesn’t mean He contradicts logic. Today, R.C. Sproul carefully distinguishes between God’s incomprehensibility and the irrational. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/incomprehensible-not-irrational/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2024

What does it look like to pursue justice in society? Today, R.C. Sproul turns to the book of Amos to illustrate the difference between the world’s ideas and the Bible’s teaching on matters of righteousness, equality, and justice. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/equality-vs-equity/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

Christians must not confuse the law and the gospel, but we also must not neglect one in favor of the other. Today, R.C. Sproul explains that a biblical understanding of God’s grace and His justice are vitally important for a healthy Christian life. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-law-or-the-gospel/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2024

Christians are called to proclaim the gospel far and wide, but God alone can make hearts receptive to the truth of Christ. Today, R.C. Sproul tells the story of a woman whose heart was opened to the good news of salvation. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/a-heart-opened-to-the-gospel/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2024

Is the sovereignty of God limited by our free will? Today, R.C. Sproul shows that this notion is not only wrong but it also poses great danger to our spiritual well-being. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/is-gods-sovereignty-limited-by-human-freedom/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2024

Do we have the power in ourselves to let the light of God’s grace into the darkness of our sinful hearts? Today, R.C. Sproul exposes the fatal flaw in the idea that our salvation rests on our own ability to cooperate with grace. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/can-we-open-the-window/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2024

Especially at a time when it’s easy to hop from one congregation to another, we must take church discipline seriously. Today, R.C. Sproul explains why church discipline and excommunication are no small matter. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-last-step-of-church-discipline/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2024

Christians must be careful not to neglect the first 39 books of their Bibles. Today, R.C. Sproul reminds us that the God revealed in the Old Testament is the same God revealed in the New. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-god-of-the-old-testament-and-the-father-of-jesus/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2024

The sovereign Lord of heaven and earth does not rule by referendum. Today, R.C. Sproul reminds us of the absolute authority of God over creation and over His redemptive kingdom in Christ. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-kingdom-of-god-is-not-a-democracy/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2024

Will we recognize lost loved ones when we’re reunited in heaven? Today, R.C. Sproul brings words of comfort to Christians in grief. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/when-we-meet-again-in-heaven/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2024

Though a mother may dry her children’s tears, they will flow again. But when God Himself wipes away the tears of His people, their sorrow will be gone forever. Today, R.C. Sproul reminds us of our future consolation when all things are made new. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/he-will-wipe-away-every-tear/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2024

Peace in this world is so tenuous, for hostility may break out again at any moment. The peace we have with God, however, can never be interrupted. Today, R.C. Sproul assures Christians that their justification is secure through Jesus Christ. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/justification-is-more-than-a-truce/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2024