Matthew Everhard

How to Interpret the Bible Correctly: 10 Rules for Faithful Biblical InterpretationWhat’s the difference between orthodoxy and heresy? According to historic Christianity, it often comes down to how the Bible is interpreted.In this teaching, Pastor Dr. Matthew Everhard lays out 10 essential rules for biblical interpretation (hermeneutics) that help Christians read Scripture faithfully, avoid common errors, and understand the Bible the way it was intended to be read. With clarity, humor, and a strong Reformed theological framework, this video explains how careless or novel interpretations can lead to serious doctrinal mistakes—and how the church has historically guarded against them.You’ll learn:- Why the Bible must be read like any other book—and unlike any other book- How context, words, grammar, and authorial intent shape meaning- Why Scripture is primarily about God, not us- How to interpret difficult passages using clearer ones- The importance of literary genre (poetry, narrative, epistle, apocalyptic, etc.)- Why private interpretation apart from the local church is dangerous- How reading Scripture historically protects against novelty, cults, and heresy- Why reading the Bible is an actual encounter with the living GodThis teaching draws on classic Christian principles affirmed in the Reformed tradition, including insights reflected in the Westminster Confession of Faith, and is ideal for:- Christians who want to grow in biblical literacy- Pastors, elders, and teachers- Seminary students- Anyone confused by conflicting interpretations of ScriptureBelievers who want to avoid proof-texting, theological error, and modern distortions📚 Books mentioned in this videoBold as a Lion: Christian Courage in an Age of CowardsWorshiptainment (now available in Spanish as Adora Show)Supporting the channel by reading these books is one of the best ways to help this ministry continue.👋 About the speakerDr. Matthew Everhard is the pastor of Gospel Fellowship PCA and an adjunct professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS).👉 Subscribe / Follow for more teaching on:Reformed theologyBiblical interpretationChristian courageWorship, church life, and doctrine🔔 New sermons, lectures, and theological resources posted regularly.NEW BOOK: Bold as a Lion: Christian Courage in an Age of Cowards. Now available in paperback and ebook! Get it here: https://amzn.to/49FjBA8

Genesis 1:3–5 | The Creation of Light | Six Days of Creation ExplainedIn Genesis 1:3–5, God speaks the very first words recorded in Scripture: “Let there be light.” Instantly the darkness is pierced as light bursts into existence by the sovereign command of the Creator.In this verse-by-verse exposition, Dr. Matthew Everhard explores the creation of light on the first day, examining the power of God’s spoken Word, the goodness of light, and the profound biblical theme of light overcoming darkness that stretches from Genesis to Revelation.Why does God create light before the sun, moon, and stars? What does it mean that God separates light from darkness? And how does this first act of creation point us forward to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World?This sermon also explores the scientific wonder of light, the theological meaning of God’s creative command, and the spiritual application for believers today.Join us as we continue our verse-by-verse study through Genesis 1–11: The Proto-History of the World.In this message you will discover:• Why God created light before the sun and stars• The meaning of God’s powerful creative command• The significance of light being declared “good”• Why God separates light from darkness• The biblical theme of light vs. darkness throughout Scripture• How creation points forward to Christ, the true Light• What it means for Christians to walk as children of lightKey Bible Passages:Genesis 1:3–5John 1:5John 8:12Isaiah 9:22 Corinthians 4:6Revelation 21:23Revelation 22:5Series: Proto-History of the World (Genesis 1–11)This expository preaching series explores the foundational chapters of the Bible, addressing creation, the fall, early human history, and God’s unfolding plan of redemption.If this study helped you understand the Bible more deeply, consider subscribing for weekly verse-by-verse preaching and theological teaching.#Genesis #Genesis1 #Creation #SixDayCreation #BibleStudy #ChristianTheology #LightOfTheWorld #ExpositoryPreaching #ReformedTheology #BibleTeaching

Description: Four Translations that I Trust and Three that I AvoidPractically everything I do depends on a faithful Bible translation. Whether I’m preaching, teaching, writing, or leading family devotions, I need a translation that is accurate to the original Hebrew and Greek.In this video, I share:• Four Bible translations I trust• Three I personally avoid• My criteria for evaluating translations• Thoughts on the Textus Receptus vs. Critical Text• Why formal equivalence matters• The problem with gender-neutral translation trendsI discuss the following translations:✅ King James Version✅ New King James Version✅ English Standard Version✅ Legacy Standard BibleAnd why I am less enthusiastic about:⚠️ New International Version⚠️ New Revised Standard Version⚠️ New Living TranslationAs a Presbyterian minister and seminary professor, I explain how manuscript traditions (Textus Receptus, Majority Text, Critical Text), translation philosophy (formal vs. dynamic equivalence), and theological considerations affect my choices.If you care about precision, historic Protestant tradition, and faithfulness to Scripture, this discussion is for you.📖 I’d love to hear from you: What Bible translation do you use and why?

NEW BOOK: Bold as a Lion: Christian Courage in an Age of Cowards. Now available in paperback and ebook! Get it here: https://amzn.to/49FjBA8📖 DESCRIPTION: Why are so many pastors afraid to preach boldly?In this video, I address one of the greatest crises in the modern church: cowardly preaching. Too many sermons avoid sin, repentance, hell, politics, doctrinal error, and cultural corruption. Instead of fearing God, many preachers fear man.Drawing from Acts 4 and the boldness of the apostles, we explore:Why pastors avoid controversial topicsThe difference between the fear of God and the fear of manHow church conflict weakens pulpit courageWhy expository preaching restores boldnessThree practical solutions to recover courageous preachingThe early church prayed for boldness — and God answered. What happened to that courage today?If you are a pastor, this is a challenge.If you are a church member, this is encouragement.If you care about faithful biblical preaching, this matters.📚 Books Mentioned:Bold as a Lion: Christian Courage in an Age of CowardsWorshiptainment (Also available in Spanish as Adora Show)Subscribe for more biblical theology, Reformed thought, and cultural analysis.

Today we are going to put the ESV Veritas Bible to the test! Let's take it everywhere for 30 days and see how it holds up. Is it worth the cost? Does it perform well under stress? We will use it to preach, teach, lecture, and visit and tier-chart it to see how well it performs in every category!

We begin a major new expository preaching series on Genesis 1–11: The Proto-History of the World. In this opening sermon on Genesis 1:1–2, we explore the most foundational statement in the entire Bible:“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”In just two verses, Scripture introduces the origin of time, matter, energy, personality, and the entire universe. This message explains how the opening of Genesis establishes the framework for the entire Christian worldview—creation, fall, redemption, and the glory of God.In this sermon you will learn:• Why Genesis 1–11 must be understood as real history• The meaning of creation ex nihilo (creation out of nothing)• Why the Hebrew word “Elohim” hints at the Trinity• The difference between bara (God creating) and asa (human making)• Why the phrase “heavens and earth” is a biblical merism meaning “everything”• How Genesis confronts modern secular explanations for the origin of life• Why believing Genesis 1:1 makes every miracle in the Bible possibleWe also consider why Genesis 1–11 is foundational for understanding:CreationThe FallMarriage and genderGood and evilRedemptionThe coming of ChristIf the opening of Genesis is true, then the Bible’s entire supernatural worldview stands firm.Key Bible PassagesGenesis 1:1–2John 1:1–5Psalm 8Romans 11:36Ephesians 11 Peter 1:20Topics CoveredGenesis 1 explainedSix-day creationChristian worldviewBiblical theology of creationHistoricity of GenesisCreation vs secular originsDoctrine of GodTrinity in creationExpository preachingSeries InformationThis sermon launches a 55-message exposition of Genesis 1–11, exploring the early history of the world including:CreationThe FallThe FloodThe Noahic CovenantThe Tower of BabelThese chapters lay the theological foundation for the entire Bible and ultimately point forward to Jesus Christ and redemption.Hashtags#Genesis#Genesis1#Creation#BiblicalWorldview#ExpositoryPreaching#ChristianTheology#BibleTeaching#SixDayCreation

Bold as a Lion: Christian Courage in an Age of Cowards. Now available in paperback and ebook! Get it here: https://amzn.to/49FjBA8Bold as a Lion in Audible: https://amzn.to/4ayHwQsSpotify Channel: https://open.spotify.com/show/69gAA8cF2jXmVHJ40LC8Ee?si=PI91IKK1Q9G3zrpgO1MUUARPTS Evangelism Class Registration: https://studyatrpts.com/index.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=MatthewEverhard_CTABanner of Truth East Coast Conference: https://conferences.banneroftruth.org/conferences/2026-east-coast-ministers-conference/AdoraShow (Spanish) "Worshiptainment": https://amzn.to/4ta095HJonathan Edwards Study Bible (Pre-Order): https://amzn.to/4tgR4bnRomans Expository Sermons: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWctVi0LWLsAG9fJBNjN03uhkWajeQAhVContent Playlists: https://www.youtube.com/@MatthewEverhard

In this video, we will consider a true SUPER-POWER! Namely, what happens if you read just ten pages per day. It doesn't seem like much, but this simple habit will allow you to read through incredible works and classic books slowly but surely. Let's think about what this might look like for you...

Are you struggling to find a faithful, Bible-believing church?Choosing a church can feel overwhelming—especially when doctrine, worship style, leadership, and culture all matter. In this video, I give you a practical, honest, and slightly fun “Church Scorecard” to help you evaluate any church you visit without relying only on gut feelings.We start with 100 points and walk through clear positives and negatives that can help you discern whether a church is spiritually healthy, biblically faithful, and worth committing to long-term. Some issues are immediate deal-breakers, while others simply subtract points. On the flip side, certain traits are huge green flags and carry real weight.In this video, you’ll learn:How to evaluate a church biblically instead of emotionallyWhat issues are automatic disqualifiersWhy expository preaching matters so muchThe role of worship, prayer, Scripture reading, and confession of sinWhy church leadership structure is a big dealHow children, creeds, hymns, and reverence signal church healthWhat modern churches often get wrong—and what faithful churches get rightThis video is especially helpful if you’re:Looking for a new churchConsidering leaving your current churchMoving to a new cityTrying to discern between multiple churchesWanting a more Reformed, confessional, Bible-centered church📌 Engage with the video:Do you agree with this scorecard? What would you add or subtract? Let me know in the comments—I read them.🎧 Prefer audio?Listen ad-free on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—perfect for driving, workouts, or chores.📘 Recommended ResourceCheck out my book Bold as a Lion: Christian Courage in an Age of Cowards if you want to go deeper on faithfulness, conviction, and courage in today’s church culture.👍 If this video helped you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who’s trying to find a good church.Keywords how to choose a church, evaluating a church, finding a bible believing church, reformed church, church discernment, expository preaching, worship style, church leadership, faithful church, christian advice, reformed theology, protestant churches, church shopping, church scorecard

Do you feel weak—physically, spiritually, mentally? In this powerful exposition of Romans 16:25–27, Dr. Matthew Everhard closes Paul’s greatest epistle by showing how God makes weak believers strong.From Romans 1:16 (“the power of God for salvation”) to Romans 5:6 (“while we were still weak”) to this final doxology—“Now to Him who is able to strengthen you”—the whole letter sweeps from power, down to the cross, and back up to glory.In this sermon, you will discover Three Ways God Makes Us Strong:1️⃣ By His Power – The omnipotent God strengthens His people through the Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ.2️⃣ Under His Authority – True strength comes through obedience of faith, submission to the eternal God, and deep roots in the prophetic Scriptures.3️⃣ For His Glory – Our lives are meant to reflect praise back to the only wise God forever through Jesus Christ.This message engages critics like Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, Bertrand Russell, and Christopher Hitchens—answering the claim that Christianity is merely a “crutch.” The Gospel is not a crutch. It is resurrection power. It is new birth. It is transformation.We also compare this great doxology with the closing praise of Jude and the opening worship of Revelation, tracing the beautiful downward blessing of God’s grace and the upward reflection of glory back to Him.If you are weary…If you are battling temptation…If you feel spiritually drained…This text is for you.📖 Scripture: Romans 16:25–27📅 March 1, 2026🎙️ Dr. Matthew V. EverhardBe strong in the Gospel. Be strong in the Word. Be strong in obedience. Live your whole life as a doxology—to Him be the glory forever. Amen.#Romans16 #ReformedTheology #Presbyterian #ExpositoryPreaching #MeansOfGrace #Doxology #ChristianStrength #GospelPower

How Do You Forgive Someone Who Truly Hurt You?Forgiveness is one of the hardest commands in the Christian life—especially when the wounds are deep, personal, and undeserved. In this video, Pastor Matthew Everhard walks through a clear, biblical, step-by-step guide to forgiveness, grounded in Scripture and centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ.This is not shallow advice or emotional denial. Biblical forgiveness does not mean pretending the pain didn’t happen, enabling abuse, or putting yourself back in danger. Instead, this teaching shows how forgiveness flows from what Christ has already done for us.📖 In this message, you’ll learn:- Why safety matters when forgiving others- How the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21–35) reshapes our hearts- What Jesus’ words from the cross (Luke 23:34) teach us about mercy- Why remembering our own sins (Ecclesiastes 7:21) humbles us- How to release your claim to revenge and trust God’s justice (Romans 12:14–21)- Why praying for those who hurt you is essential (Matthew 5:44)- When and how healing words like “I forgive you” can bring restoration- How forgiveness is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8)Whether you are dealing with betrayal, bitterness, anger, or unresolved pain, this video offers biblical clarity, pastoral wisdom, and gospel hope.👉 If this teaching helps you, consider subscribing for more Christ-centered sermons, biblical theology, and practical Christian discipleship.📌 Scriptures Referenced:Matthew 18:21–35 | Luke 23:34 | Ecclesiastes 7:21 | Romans 12:14–21 | Matthew 5:44 | Romans 8🔔 Subscribe & ShareIf you know someone struggling to forgive, share this message with them—it may be exactly what they need to hear.

Is the Book of Romans Calvinistic?In this Sunday School lecture, we review the entire structure of Paul’s epistle to the Romans — from total depravity in Romans 1–3 to predestination in Romans 8–9 and the perseverance of the saints.We explore:• Why exegesis must precede systematics• Whether Calvin imposed theology onto Paul• The five points of Calvinism (TULIP)• Total depravity in Romans 1–3• Justification by faith in Romans 3–5• Predestination in Romans 8• Divine sovereignty in Romans 9• Evangelism and election in Romans 10• The glory of God in Romans 11We also discuss the theology of John Calvin, the importance of the Reformation, and how Paul’s letter to the Epistle to the Romans provides the doctrinal foundation for what later became known as Calvinism.If you've ever wondered:Does Romans teach predestination?Is Paul compatible with Calvinism?What about human responsibility?Is God unjust in Romans 9?Can you lose your salvation according to Romans 8?This lecture walks carefully through the text itself.Calvin may not have been Pauline chronologically — but he was deeply Pauline theologically.

In this video, I will be exploring Jonathan Edwards's many connections with Presbyterians and Presbyterianism. Not to give it away to easy, but Edwards was very close to being Presby, just fell just shy of that. Here in this video, I will give you all the reasons why we can still consider JE our own.

In this video, I announce my upcoming debate with Rev. Jeffrey Choi on the topic of female deacons. We will debate Overture 37 of the upcoming PCA General Assembly on April 23rd, on the Your Calvinist YouTube Channel with Keith Foskey. Choi will take the position that women can be ordained, and I will defend the traditional view that they ought not to be.

Is your devotional life growing cold—even though you’re still reading the Bible?If you’ve been walking with Christ for years, this video is for you.Many faithful Christians experience seasons where their Bible reading and prayer feel dry, stale, or routine. In this video, I want to reassure you: don’t panic—and don’t quit. Instead, you may need to change the way you’re engaging Scripture so the fire keeps burning.Using the image of throwing new logs on the fire, I walk through practical, biblical, and time-tested ways to revitalize your devotional life without abandoning consistency.In this video, we cover:Why spiritual coldness happens to mature ChristiansThe three legs of a healthy devotional life (private, family, and church)Why quitting your Bible plan is not the solutionWhen and how to change your devotional formatReading vs. listening vs. writing—and when each helps mostHow switching Bibles, translations, or study formats can helpWhy listening to Scripture while reading increases focusThe spiritual benefits of walking, journaling, and note-takingWhen God may be calling you to write—journals, prayers, or even a bookThis video is especially helpful if:You’ve read the Bible for years but feel spiritually stuckYour January Bible plan is already feeling heavyYou struggle with distraction during devotionsYou want to grow without becoming mechanicalYou’re in ministry and feeling devotional fatigue📌 Join the conversationWhat has helped your devotional life stay fresh? Reading? Listening? Writing? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.🎧 Prefer audio?Follow me on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening while driving, walking, or working out.📘 Recommended ReadingIf you’re looking for a devotional or reflective read, check out my bookBold as a Lion: Christian Courage in an Age of Cowards.👍 If this encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone whose devotional fire needs a fresh log.

How to Do Christian Devotions (Bible + Prayer = Quiet Time)Do you struggle with knowing how to do daily Christian devotions or staying consistent with your quiet time? In this video, I walk through a simple, biblical, and practical framework for Christian devotions that anyone can follow—whether you’re a brand-new believer or a seasoned Christian who wants more structure.We’ll cover the foundations of a healthy devotional life:📖 Reading the Bible wisely🙏 Praying biblically and purposefully⏰ Building consistency that actually lastsThis video explains:- How to choose a good Bible translation- How to use a reading plan (Old & New Testament)- Where to start if you’re new (Psalms & Gospels)- How to take notes while reading Scripture- How to pray using the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13)- How to pray the Psalms- Simple prayer frameworks like ACTS- Why consistency matters more than intensity- Whether devotional books help—or hurt—your prayer life- Recommended devotional resources (Matthew Henry, Spurgeon, The Valley of Vision)- Ideas for family devotions and long-term faithfulnessThis is a Reformed, Scripture-centered approach to Christian devotions that emphasizes ordinary means of grace rather than gimmicks or trends.👉 Subscribe if you want more teaching on:Christian livingReformed theologyBible studyPrayerChurch life and discipleship🔔 New videos posted regularly.Tags / Keywords (YouTube SEO)Christian devotions, how to do devotions, quiet time with God, Bible reading plan, how to pray, Reformed Christianity, daily devotional, Christian prayer life, Bible study for beginners, Christian discipleship, family devotions

🔥 Is the PCA Considering Ordaining Women as Deacons? A Biblical Response to Overture 37In this video, I will explain the overture written by Pacific Presbytery to be considered at the 2026 General Assembly of the PCA. Here, our brothers unwisely and hastily propose a change to begin ordaining female deacons in the PCA. I do not believe that this overture has much chance to pass, but it does mark a watershed moment in which an entire presbytery proposes a liberalizing change to our understanding of ordination and office. I will comb through their overture, exposing its obvious weaknesses, especially as I give a more accurate exegesis of Romans 16:1, Acts 6, and 1 Timothy 3. The 53rd PCA General Assembly will consider Overture 37, a proposal to amend the Book of Church Order (BCO 9-3) to allow women to serve as ordained deacons.

Greet All the Saints – Romans 16:1–16 | Who Are the Real Saints?What comes to mind when you picture a “saint”? A robed figure with a halo? A stained-glass icon? A gaunt mystic frozen in time?In this expositional sermon on Romans 16:1–16, we challenge the 2D image of sainthood shaped by centuries of art and tradition—and rediscover the real saints described by the Apostle Paul: ordinary believers with an extraordinary Christ.In this passage, Paul greets over two dozen men and women in the Roman church—workers, risk-takers, first converts, suffering servants, and beloved friends. Far from unreachable spiritual elites, these saints were faithful Christians who labored, loved, and endured hardship for the sake of the gospel.Phoebe (Romans 16:1–2) – Was she a deacon? What does the Greek word diakonos really mean? How should we think about women and church office in light of Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3?Priscilla and Aquila – A married couple serving Christ together (see Acts 18). What does their partnership teach us about ministry and marriage?Epaenetus – The first convert in Asia. What courage it takes to be the “first fruit” in your family, school, or nation!Rufus – Could this be the son of Simon of Cyrene from Gospel of Mark 15:21? What does this possibility reveal about the spread of the early church?The repeated themes of hard work and belovedness in Paul’s greetings.The remarkable interconnectivity of the early church—and how it models Presbyterian accountability and cooperation.Why the explosive growth of early Christianity was fueled by both the Holy Spirit and a willingness to suffer.The history of “saint” imagery—from early catacomb frescoes to Byzantine mosaics.The contrast between biblical sainthood and later Roman Catholic canonization.The historicity of Christianity reflected in Paul’s personal greetings.Reformed theology on conversion, irresistible grace, and faithful perseverance.Lessons for today’s evangelical church: service, sacrifice, unity, and bold witness.The saints in Romans 16 were not marble statues—they were men and women who had encountered the risen Christ and gave their lives to His mission.True saints are not untouchable icons. They are redeemed sinners, deeply loved by God, working hard for a glorious Savior.📖 Text: Romans 16:1–16🎙 Preacher: MVEIf this message encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share to help spread the gospel.#Romans16 #BiblicalSainthood #ReformedTheology #Presbyterian #WomenInMinistry #EarlyChurch #ExpositoryPreaching🔎 In This Sermon, We Explore:🏛 Historical & Theological Themes

In this video, I am going to take a look at Jonathan Edwards's unfinished masterpiece, the History of the Work of Redemption. We have this work through his sermon series of the same name, but sadly, JE did not finish editing this magnum opus which probably would have been his greatest contribution to theology, history, and Biblical commentary. Let me introduce you to this wonderful series of sermons which Edwards had great plans for! Sadly, he died before he could finish it.

In this video, I will give advice to myself when I was 21. Of course, looking back with 20-20 vision is a luxury that we have when we are older, and unfortunately no one can go back in time. That being said, here is the advice that I would have given myself if I had the opportunity to counsel the younger version of me.