Rm 4.9-10 Paul’s exposition of Gen 15.6 turns from justification by faith without works to justification by faith without circumcision. This argument is particularly devastating to the ritual-dependent nature of Judaism (and of Judaizers, see Galatians). The argument devastates the ritual-dependent misunderstanding of the Gospel by churches and Christians that practice … [Read more...] about Faith before Ritual [Romans]
Beloved Be Diligent [Christian Growth]
2 Pt 3.14 “Beloved be diligent … of your Christian walk” – that is the theme of our message today. As we have been considering the ‘beloved be’s of 2 Peter 3’ we have seen the call to be mindful of the word so that we will not be ignorant of God, with the result that we will be diligent in our Christian walk, energetically pursuing holiness and godliness because the day of … [Read more...] about Beloved Be Diligent [Christian Growth]
The Facets of Man (3) [Basic Theology]
We continue our discussion of the nature of man with a look today at the ‘heart’ and the ‘conscience’. What we are after is getting a grasp of how the Bible describes the inner man. Read the notes while you listen. This session begins on p. 7. … [Read more...] about The Facets of Man (3) [Basic Theology]
How ‘No Works’ Works for You [Romans]
Rom 3.21-4.8 Our message is a summary of the section of Romans we have most recently covered in great detail. The one great theme of this passage is justification by faith alone, no works added. The purpose of this message is to tie all this teaching together with a particular emphasis on what faith without works means. All belief systems justify self on some basis – all but … [Read more...] about How ‘No Works’ Works for You [Romans]
After the doings of the lands… [Communion, Leviticus]
Lev 18 We begin the Holiness Code section of Leviticus with a look at laws focused on preserving morality in and out of marriage. The bulk of the chapter consists of prohibitions against various forms of incest, but it also includes prohibitions of child sacrifice and perverse immorality. The redemptive message of these prohibitions is found in 1 Cor 6.9-11: ‘and such were … [Read more...] about After the doings of the lands… [Communion, Leviticus]