(Act 20:28-30) Every Christian should have a vested interest in spotting those wolves that roam among us since they are not only the enemy in closest proximity to us, but also the ones with the most potential for causing us eternal spiritual harm. If then we hope to get to heaven, our thinking must change. […]
Seven Misconceptions About Capital Crimes
People can accidently stumble into capital crimes. God continuing to bless me after I commit a capital crime must mean that He has already forgiven me and I therefore don’t need to confess it and serve justice. I can never be punished for a capital crime if I didn’t know that what was doing was […]
Following God 101
The Resurrection and COVID-19
Because Jesus rose from the DEAD we are free from: The power of sin and God’s wrath against those under it. The lie that justice can be replaced by mercy. The fear of missing out in this life.
A Hymn, a Psalm, and the Justice of Jesus – Part 2
Psalm 98:1-9 What does practicing the justice of Jesus look like in our lives? Practicing equity. You can’t have justice without equity. Equity = to make fair/level (e.g. level the playing field). Luke 3:3-6; Equity is what makes justice truly just. Psalm 99:4 The Laws that Create or Achieve Equity (or Fairness) The same expectations […]
A Hymn, a Psalm, and the Justice of Jesus – Part 1
1. There can be no true joy in the world without the justice of Jesus reigning in our lives. 2. You can’t have salvation without submitting to Jesus’ laws and justice.
Micah 6:8 – Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness
3 questions to be answered about this text. Question #1 – What is going on? Question #2 – What exactly are these three virtues? Question #3 – Why should they be important to us today? Answer #1 – God’s people (covenant community) are on the brink of divine disaster. (Micah 1:1-9; 2:3-4; 3:12; 5:15; 6:13-15). […]
Dispelling the Myths Associated With Grace – Part 1
By faith in Christ we gain a covenant relationship w/Him that must be maintained thru faithful obedience to all of His laws and His church in order to be saved. MYTH #1. Grace means we or God are withholding judgment/justice. 1.1. Examples of this understanding of grace in the teaching of well known evangelicals: “Justice […]
Why Godliness?
Godliness = The trait of being like God in holiness, righteousness (or blamelessness) and justice (Psa 89:14-20; 2Pe 2:9). This trait (godliness) only comes through: 1) constant and comprehensive study of God’s Word in order to understand God’s laws, 2) constant and precise application of God’s Word/Law to our lives. The reason God’s Word/Law is […]
Why So Few Christians? How Should We View God, Especially in Light of National Tragedy?
1. Why are there fewer and fewer individuals claiming to be Christians? What is the correct view of God, most especially in light of national tragedy? 1.1. The common view preached among humanity is that God wants everyone to be His friend – or flattered by Him. It is the picture of a boy doing […]
Dark Brewed: Hebrews – Part 6
(Heb 12:1-17) Like a good dark brew (of either coffee or beer), this portion of the book of Hebrews delivers the kind of “kick in the pants” that is always appreciated when the pressures and temptations of this life have got us feeling like compromise is the only option. This was the situation of Jewish […]
Matthew 5.1 – Jesus’ Sermon On The Mount Address
1. Leading the Jewish crowds to a mountainside sb viewed as a clear sign that Jesus has become Israel’s new Moses since: 1.1. Like Moses, Jesus chooses elders to carry the ministry burden prior to going up the mountain (Luk 6:12-16 w/Exo 18:18-27) 1.2. Like Moses, Jesus goes to the mountain for the purpose of […]
Matthew Introduction – Part 5: Why did Matthew NOT write his gospel?
5. (Why?) did Matthew NOT write his gospel? Traditionally, inquiry into the author’s purpose is stated in the positive versus the negative as it is here. However, this particular dialectic approach to Matthew’s gospel has enormous value – especially when attempting to “root out” modern misconceptions about Jesus, His ministry or the Christian Faith in […]
New Covenant Jurisprudence
“Oh Lord, according to your justice, give me life” (Psa 119:149b) jurisprudence = theory or philosophy of law; a legal system One of the first things Jesus makes clear during His earthly ministry is that the entire content of the Law (the legal system established by God under the OC) remains intact for the New […]
Understanding Justice and Repentance – Part 2
The relationship between Justice and repentance is inextricable. Therefore, to understand one, we must understand both. With that mind, consider the following regarding Repentance and Justice (See attached documen
Understanding Justice and Repentance – Part 1
The relationship between Justice and repentance is inextricable. Therefore, to understand one, we must understand both. With that mind, consider the following regarding Repentance and Justice (See attached document).