SOLI DEO GLORIA Sola scriptura, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Solus Christus. Each of these on their own is a strong rallying cry and doctrine worth defending. Yet, each becomes stronger when joined with the final sola, soli deo gloria. Glory to God alone. This is the glue that holds all…

ESV Systematic Theology Study Bible

Have you heard about the ESV Systematic Theology Study Bible? Its print version was so popular that it ran out of print when it was first published! If we could, we would have the same problem. Thankfully, that’s not possible! Some very well-seasoned and well-respected, theologians put together this study Bible:…

This article is written by Brian Simmons, lead Translator of The Passion Translation It would be impossible to calculate how many lives have been changed forever by the power of the Bible, the living Word of God! My life was transformed forever because I believed the message contained in the…

October 31st is the 501-year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Many Protestants are celebrating this day, all around the world! Although Olive Tree provides resources to a wide-variety of denominations, we thought this would be a great opportunity to talk a bit about how the Protestant Reformation began. Throughout the…

reformation commentary

We’ve been looking for a helpful resource to write about for our Reformed friends. After some research, we found one that we think you all will enjoy greatly. The Reformed Expository Commentary Series is edited by Richard Phillips and Phillip Ryken: two Reformed pastors dedicated to Christ-centered preaching paired with…

Menno Simmons

Have you ever heard of Menno Simmons? Now is your chance to learn a little bit about this Reformation hero. Check out the tiny biography below. NAME: Menno Simmons BIRTH: 1496, date unknown DEATH: January 31, 1561 HOMETOWN: Witmarsum, Friesland, modern-day Netherlands VOCATION: Catholic priest, Anabaptist pastor and author FAMILY:…

When you don’t know a word, your first inclination might be to look up a dictionary definition. While it may certainly be helpful, the better way to understand a concept is to see it in action. When you experience the word being used, you learn how to use it for…

“… for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12, speaking on Christ Alone CHRIST ALONE Of the five solas, solus Christus is the most important. This sola unifies all the others. Without the person and work of Jesus…

Did you know that John Calvin made a point to write very little about himself—which is one reason why we don’t know much about his personal life? He isn’t the only one. The reformers didn’t write too many captivating memoirs, despite their brave and dangerous lives. Why didn’t the reformers…