In this passage, God reaches out to the southern kingdom of Judah, warning them against the temptation they have to let go of the LORD. In it, he calls them to emulate Jacob, who sought God's favor above all else; who understood his own sinful nature and yet clung to God, yearning for his mercy and grace. Will you cling to God?
The law that came centuries after the promise to Abraham cannot change the promise. The promise was that a singular male descendant would be a blessing to the world. That descendant was even predicted in Jewish writings to make us righteous because of His righteousness. That man was of course Jesus!
The Laws of Moses actually put the nation of Israel under a curse if they did not obey all 613 laws. So what was the purpose of the law? It was to show us how fallen we are and have us turn to God in faith that He would provide a way. That way was not the animal sacrifices, for God says He was never pleased with them. They only pointed forward to the sacrifice He would provide. The righteous are not those who try to keep the laws, but those who live by faith in His Word, just as Abraham who beli...
After eight chapters of God expounding his case for Israel's infidelity and necessary destruction, we are brought to this heart-wrenching passage. God reveals the pain within him as his perfect justice demands their destruction and his perfect mercy pleads for their lives. What will God do? Let us find out together.
The message of Genesis 1 through 11 is that man is fallen and goes from bad to worse. Even when God shows us what He expects, we see we just can't live up to it. In Romans 1 to 6, we have the same message. So what is the remedy? Paul tells us that the Gospel was preached to Abraham. It is the verse repeated four times in Scripture: "The just shall live by faith!"
How could anyone who is saved by grace and experiencing the presence and power of the Holy Spirit think they need to add to their salvation by obeying the Laws of Moses? In this brief passage presented in this sermon, Paul asks six poignant questions to help the Galatians and us see that salvation is by grace alone.
We return to a key verse in the last sermon to mine the riches in it. What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? What does it mean for Christ to live in me? This sermon goes into depth on this key passage and challenge to the Galatians and to our lives today.
The legalistic Jewish Christians were insinuating that Paul was sinning by eating with the Gentile believers. They had missed the wonder of the new covenant in Jesus' blood making Jew and Gentile one. The old covenant and its demands along with pride in keeping the rules Paul declared crucified with Christ on the cross. Now, in place of the law, the Spirit reigns in us, the very life of Christ! His life in us helps us to live in the Spirit, which is something the laws of Moses could never do.
Peter had previously agreed with Paul that salvation was by grace alone. But when Peter went to visit the mostly Gentile church in Antioch and Jews came up from Jerusalem, he separated himself from the Gentiles and ate with the Jews. Paul called out his hypocrisy. It was an essential turning point for the church. If Paul had not confronted Peter, we would have a very different church trying to obey the laws of Moses.
Paul attempted to resolve the conflict with some of the false teachers that came from Jerusalem to Antioch in a discreet manner. He made sure he and the leaders of the church were on the same page regarding salvation by grace alone. Later it would require a public meeting because the false teachers couldn't let go of their traditions. The sermon addresses the issues that we as followers of Christ must contend for and what things are debatable. You will also learn about the cultural issues that a...
The Apostle Paul received his gospel of grace through a revelation of Jesus. The sermon explains the process and why it was important for him to mention it. The text has a number of references to back the opinion. The sermon also looks into the difference in translation regarding Christ being revealed to Paul or in Paul and why the traditional translation is more powerful.
In this passage, Paul makes one of the harshest statements in any of his letters. It shows the ferocity with which he would go to defend the gospel of grace delivered to him to proclaim to the world. He also defends himself by declaring he isn't a people-pleaser. It challenges us to check our motivations and devotion to the truth he taught.
Paul's introduction to his letter to the Galatians not only reminds us that Jesus is more than a mere man and the conqueror of death, but that grace and peace are ours in Him. He delivers us from the present evil age. Without some knowledge of Jewish thought, the concept is hard to grasp. It is the truth that the Galatians and all who doubt the wonder of grace need to understand.
Our first sermon in Galatians explains the problem in the churches of Galatia and why Paul so fiercely opposed the teaching that had infiltrated the church there. It also takes a deep look at the first verse which is a compact defense of Paul's ministry and a rebuttal to the error in doctrine.
Joshua's last words to the new nation of Israel reminded them of all God had done for them. Then he told them what their response should be. It is the same for us today. God has sent His Son to die the death we deserved that we might have life. How should we respond to such love? And what should He do if we turn our backs to that love and serve other gods? That challenge and warning Joshua gives are just as relevant today.
In one of Joshua's last messages to the nation, he told them how important it is for them to cling to God (23:8). We first find that word in the Bible when Adam is told to cling to his wife so that they are one flesh (Gen 2:24). The relationship of God with His people was always meant to be a love relationship. It is no wonder then that Paul describes the relationship of marriage as a picture of Christ and the church. Everything that would interfere in that relationship then is idolatry which th...
In today’s passage, we will discover just how heinous Israel’s depravity was and just how far God was willing to go to purify those who could still be saved. Indeed, it was so bad that another prophet of the time of Hosea wrote, “If the Lord of hosts had not left us a few survivors, we should have been like Sodom, and become like Gomorrah.” If God prepared with long-suffering the kingdom of Israel as a vessel destined for destruction, will we learn from their insolence?
Jesus' resurrection means that those who place their faith in the fact that He died for our sins and offers us forgiveness will also be raised. But that is just part of what that means to us. It has everything to do with how we live our life today. The power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us from the moment we accept what He did for us. That power frees us from enslavement to sin and enables us to be God's instruments in the world.
What is happening to our country is very similar to what happened to the new nation of Israel. In this sermon, we see how their intentions were very sincere and their dedication was unquestionable, but there was a failure to convince the next generation. It is a challenge for every sincere believer to be sure to communicate with their children the great things God has done out of His love for us.
The Levites did not inherit tribal land because the Lord was their inheritance. Since we are priests to the world introducing them to our Savior, our inheritance is not created things, but the Creator Himself. This sermon also challenges us with the life of Caleb who wholly followed the Lord and conquered giants at the age of 85!
After conquering the southern coalition that came against Israel, Joshua reminded the nation there was much land yet to be taken. It reminds us that in our spiritual life we cannot settle for the initial victories. God has good works prepared in advance for us to do. He will enable and empower us, but we must be willing and cooperate. We can stay in the land we have already conquered, but God has more for us. Armor up church! There is much land yet to be taken.
The king of Jerusalem's name meant the Lord of Retribution. He gathered a coalition against Gibeon to punish them for capitulating to Israel. The Lord promised Joshua that He would give them into his hand. God gave him the victory by throwing the kings into confusion and raining hail upon them. After the victory, Joshua told the people to be strong and courageous, for there was still much land to be taken. We too need to be strong and courageous spiritually to take the land God has given us. The...
While God was patiently faithful to Israel, they were not faithful to Him. It is a refreshing break from the chapters surrounding it because it demonstrates God’s desire for their restoration. He earnestly sought after them, but they gave him only lies and treachery in return. “How better describe a half-fed people, a half-cultured society, a half-lived religion, a half-hearted policy, than by a half-baked scone? ” — George Adam Smith
Joshua needed one more lesson on looking to God instead of trusting in how things appear. This time it was in the form of an elaborate deception. But God has a way of turning things around and using them for His glory. The story is one of failure turned into a blessing. It is one of many examples of God's grace and mercy upon our lives, as well as His desire that all be saved.
Once we have dealt with sin in our lives, then God can direct us to fulfill His purposes through us. This sermon gives us Israel's path to getting back on the right track and mirrors our own spiritual journey. The promises and curses in God's Word need to be remembered on a regular basis.
Can one man’s sin affect an entire nation? The account of Achan’s theft and violation of Israel’s covenant with God did. He tried to hide what he did, but our sins always find us out. God is ruthless with sin because He is holy, and He loves us. Sin is destructive to us. Its earned wages are death. But in mercy and love, Jesus took the punishment we deserved.
What do you do when it seems like God has abandoned you when His promises don't seem to come to pass? What should we think? The defeat of Israel by the little town of Ai gives us some insight into what we should do and what we must be careful not to do.
The Bible gives us a clear description of mankind's problem but also tells us the solution. It isn't about being good enough for God, as no one can be holy as He is holy. There is a dilemma presented to us in Scripture. God must be just and judge us for our sins, yet He loves us and is full of grace and mercy. Centuries before Christ the answer was given through the prophet Isaiah. This sermon addresses the answer and how we should respond to it.
