June 18, 2014

Christ Is the End of the Law

Crucifixion

As the gospel was being preached in the first century, many of the Jews wanted to hold onto the Law of Moses. This was done in two ways. Some rejected the gospel outright, choosing to continue following the old law and refusing to follow Christ (Acts 4:10-11; Romans 9:33-10:4). Others tried to bring the Law of Moses – or parts of it – into the gospel, thus distorting the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6-7; 2:4-5). In either case, the result was condemnation (Romans 11:22; Galatians 1:8-9).

Despite the fact that the Jews – in large part – rejected the gospel, Paul’s prayer was that they might be saved (Romans 10:1). But in order to be saved, they needed to understand Christ and His relationship to the Law of Moses.

“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4).

Jesus came for the purpose of being “the end of the law.” What does this mean? Many of the Jews did not understand this and, as a result, were not saved through the gospel. In this article, we will notice what it means for Christ to be “the end of the law.”
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May 28, 2014

Introducing Jesus

Jesus – Sermon on the Mount

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

The gospel of John was written to teach people about Jesus. The first chapter introduces Jesus to us. We learn of Him through the various words and phrases used to describe the Lord, some of which are found in the verses above. The opening chapter of John is a good place to go to learn, be reminded, or teach others about Jesus. Let us briefly consider some of the ways in which Jesus is described in these verses.
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March 12, 2014

How Long Will You Hesitate Between Two Opinions?

Fork in the Road

Just before Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, he issued a challenge to the people of Israel who had gathered to witness the event.

“Elijah came near to all the people and said, ‘How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ But the people did not answer him a word” (1 Kings 18:21).

The people were presented with a choice between two options – follow God or follow Baal. Similarly, we have choices to make about our personal conduct and religion. Many people like to think that they have a multitude of options from which to choose. But when you break down every decision, there are really just two options – follow God or not.
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December 23, 2013

Some Things Never Change

Man on a Mountain at Night

As one year quickly draws to a close, it is customary for us to look back at the changes that have taken place in our lives and look ahead to changes that may be coming in the future. While our lives are filled with change, it is important for us to remember that there are some things that never change. In this brief article, I want us to be reminded of a few of these.
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August 14, 2013

Seated at the Right Hand of God

At the beginning of the book of Hebrews, the writer began by reminding the brethren that Jesus was God’s spokesman for “these last days” (Hebrews 1:2). He then explained how Jesus was qualified for this position:

“And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3).

In this short article, I want to focus on part of this description of Christ. So for a few moments, I invite you to consider with me the last part of this verse: “When He had made purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” If we understand this phrase, we will have a fundamental understanding of the gospel of Christ and why His new law is superior to the Law of Moses.
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July 17, 2013

What All Men Have in Common

Handshake

People are different. Sadly, there are some who unfairly judge or even hate others simply because they are of a different race, culture, economic class, etc. Christians are to “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24) and “abound in love for one another, and for all people” (1 Thessalonians 3:12). In order to do this, we need to remember what all men have in common rather than focus too much on certain differences that may exist.

In this article, we will consider seven things which all of us have in common.
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June 26, 2013

“The Poor Have the Gospel Preached to Them”

Jesus teaching

The common perception by people – from within the religious world and outside of it – is that churches are charitable organizations designed to help the poor. Denominational churches spend much time, energy, and money helping the poor. Those who are in need (or claim to be in need) often visit churches seeking a handout.

We are certainly to be concerned for the poor (Galatians 2:10; Ephesians 4:28; James 2:15-17) and, as we have opportunity (Galatians 6:10), help those with legitimate needs (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 – “If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either”). Yet the Lord’s church is not a charity. He did not design or ordain it to be one. Instead, He designed and ordained the church for another purpose that is far more important than mere benevolence.

When John sent some of his disciples to find evidence that Jesus was the promised Messiah (Matthew 11:2-3), one of the proofs that Jesus cited was that “the poor have the gospel preached to them” (Matthew 11:5). Jesus did not mention feeding the poor, clothing them, or giving them money. Instead, the proof offered to John’s disciples for Jesus’ identity was the fact that the poor were taught the good news of salvation.
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