As we wrap up our thoughts on the book of Galatians, I thought it would be good to look at one of the major themes of the book. As was the case with the book of Romans, Paul’s primary focus is that we are justified by faith rather than by works of the law. The […]
Paul once said, “take heed, lest ye fall” 1 Corinthians 10:12). Falling away from our Lord is a real and present danger for all Christians. Paul called it falling away from grace. Galatians 5:3-4 (ESV) 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 […]
The church needs men like Paul. Yes, Paul was an apostle, but that is not what I am referring to here. I am talking about men who are willing to stand for the truth no matter what the consequences might be. Paul demonstrated this on several occasions. Perhaps the most notable occasion that Paul stood […]
In our last blog, we saw the importance of being in Christ. To be in Christ, is to be a part of the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise that involved all nations of the earth being blessed in Abraham’s offspring. The blessedness had to do with being justified by God, the result of which meant […]
When was the first gospel sermon preached? I would say it was on the day of Pentecost. That is when Peter preached the first sermon after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:14-39). However, it was not the first time the gospel was declared. That came when God gave Abraham what we often […]
It is amazing how simple the organizational structure of the local church in the New Testament was. The church was simply made up of elders, deacons and saints (Philippians 1:1). The work or responsibility of the elders is to oversee the flock. There are several terms in the New Testament that refer to this position: […]
Nails in marriage are those things that puncture the relationship between a husband and wife and allow the romantic love to leak out. Once the romantic love begins to dwindle in a marriage relationship, the marriage itself is in danger. The best way to protect your marriage is to do those things that help you […]
The Fruit of the Spirit There are two directions we can all walk—after the Spirit or after the flesh, but we cannot do both. Have you ever seen someone walk backward and forward at the same time? No, because it is impossible. Walking after the Spirit and the flesh at the same time is impossible […]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV) 20I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. C.S. Lewis once said, “Until you have […]
When it comes to the faith, we must be determined to never compromise. What is the faith? It is the total teachings of the New Testament…that which has been once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). A part of the faith are the instructions on how to be saved. Throughout Paul’s ministry, he had to […]