Some perceive Paul’s teaching about the law’s insufficiency and the fact that we are not under the law to mean that God’s desire is for the New Testament believer to view the law negatively. However, Paul also taught that the law is NOT sin, and that it IS holy, spiritual, and good. Interestingly, Jesus said that His mission was to come to FULFIL the law and Paul taught that we could and should do the same.
The most controversial and debated topics of a generation expose its firmest held beliefs. The subject of abortion is a case in point. For one side, religion proves the murderous and godless nature of abortion. For others, abortion rights are pursued and defended with great religious fervor. The sad truth is that the religious nature of abortion is not new. In fact, the scripture says, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the son” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). To understand this ancient controversy, consider its origins and opposition.
From a holy heart comes holy actions and as a result of holy doings come holy feelings. Anything else is a counterfeit holiness.
The Bible does not condemn interracial marriages or multiracial churches. In fact, the concept of a white church, a black church, or an oriental church to the exclusion of others is unbiblical at its core. Rather, the scripture, Old and New Testaments, warn us not to mingle with those who worship other gods or no God at all. Therefore, segregation is only biblical if it is based upon creed and not color of skin.
Many who accept or reject the sovereignty of God do so based upon a faulty understanding of the word and of the doctrine. The common assumption is that God’s sovereignty means He is irresistible and without limitations in the scope of His power or practice in the affairs of men. But, is this what sovereignty means?
Have you been hurt? Stop the cycle! Do you crave attention that comes with being a “victim”? Find it through a personal walk with the Lord. Are you currently allowing your hurt to hurt others? Stop! Are you bitter from things in your past and transferring your vengeance upon someone who you deem has done you unjustly? Forgive those who hurt you in the past and stop letting them continue to hold power over your life. Be sure, the judgment seat of Christ will make all wrongs right for the believer.
Throughout Israel’s existence as a nation, they have had numerous complex dealings with the nations around them. This is, at least in part, due to the closeness of their land geographically with so many bordering nations. As is true with many nations that have come and gone throughout history, some of Israel’s neighbours have gone from being foes to being allies or from being allies to being foes. As such, this complicates international deals brokered, whether in times of peace or war.
The teaching set forth in Matthew chapters 24 and 25 is commonly identified as the Olivet Discourse and contains a detailed explanation of the end-times.
As saints of God we should have some things in common with a pilgrim. How are you like a pilgrim?
