Sermons and Biblical Studies

HEBREWS 7:11–16 For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law (Hebrews 7:12). Christians always live under law. As New Testament believers, we are delivered from bondage to the Law in a negative sense, but grace enables us to have a new relationship to the Law, … Continue reading “GOD’S COVENANT WITH MAN”

JOHN 14:15–21 “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). The word antinomian comes from the Greek words anti (against) and nomos (law). Antinomianism is the opposite of legalism. Where the legalist distorts the concept of law, the antinomian is opposed to all law. There are several forms of antinomianism today. … Continue reading “THE ANTINOMIAN HERESY”

MARK 7:1–23 “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men” (Mark 7:8). Legalism wears several different hats. For instance, there is the belief that good works will earn salvation. Another is when we encounter people who joylessly obey scriptural commands because they want to “be … Continue reading “ADDING OUR OWN RULES”

MATTHEW 19:16–26 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments” (Matthew 19:17). The rich young ruler called Jesus “good.” Jesus replied that there is only One who is absolutely “good.” Jesus’ challenge to the ruler to … Continue reading “KNOWING WHAT IS GOOD”

LUKE 18:24–30 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:24). The rich young ruler’s countenance fell when Jesus told him to sell all his goods and give the proceeds to the poor. Frequently the Scripture gives this kind of warning to those … Continue reading “WEALTH AND THE KINGDOM”

LUKE 18:18–23 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Luke 18:22). As Jesus approached Jerusalem to initiate the great crisis of history, a certain ruler asked Him, “Good teacher, … Continue reading “SALVATION BY OBEDIENCE?”

JOHN 8:42–47 “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire” (John 8:44a). Until recently, it was not fashionable to believe in the existence of Satan. Times have changed. If anything, contemporary culture is more fascinated by Satan than by God and runs the risk of elevating Satan … Continue reading “SATAN IS THE FATHER OF LIES”

MATTHEW 12:22–37 “And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven” (Matthew 12:31). In our study of sin, we come today to the one unforgivable sin mentioned in the Bible. It is not murder, suicide, or divorce. It is blasphemy against … Continue reading “THE ONLY UNFORGIVABLE SIN”

DEUTERONOMY 13 Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and no one among you will do such an evil thing again (Deuteronomy 13:11). Yesterday we looked at how the law reveals our sin to us, drives us to Christ, and shows us how to live in a way that pleases God. Today we want … Continue reading “GOVERNMENT AND MORALITY”

MARK 7:1–16 “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men” (Mark 7:8). Jesus called the people back to God’s Law, because they had substituted their own traditions for it. Why is the Law important? Because it tells us what is pleasing to God. God’s revelation, … Continue reading “THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL”