One of the great themes of Galatians about which we have discussed in many different ways over the last several weeks is the comparison between religious law and relationship with God by grace through faith. Grace is superior to religion in every way imaginable. A natural question for people reading Galatians might be “so if the law of Moses is …
Responding to Atonement
1 Peter 3:18-22 Jonathan’s sermon for this week put the focus on the atonement of Christ. Atonement simply refers to how it is that Jesus brings peace between man and God. While the Bible has much to say about different aspects of the atonement of Christ, we cannot emaphasize other aspects at the expense of 1 Peter 3:18- that Christ …
Future Orientation
One of the greatest first-glance characteristics of the Gospel as it is presented in the New Testament is that the Gospel is a new thing. Jesus Christ came preaching about new life in his kingdom, brought about by a new covenant, which created a new people. With all of this talk of the newness of what God was doing, it is …
The Keys To Thriving In Exile
This week’s passage makes me think of one of Jennifer’s older relatives who would always offer the greeting “Waiting for the Lord to come back.” While she had genuine faith and truly was expecting the return of Christ, she probably didn’t intend that greeting as evidence that she was greatly enjoying life at the moment. We probably each know of …
What Is Salvation?
1 Peter 1:3-5 Peter begins the body of his letter by ecstatically praising God. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He then takes the remainder of three verses to tell us why God is deserving of praise. Because of his great mercy Because he has caused us to be born again Because we have a …