Tag Archives: legalism

Nationalism versus Nationalism

We live in a Western world, and it is our duty to understand it. Otherwise, we cannot offer God’s antidote to the failures of Western Civilization. Hear a principle of Biblical Law: Covenant trumps every other consideration. All Law Covenants … Continue reading

Posted in sanity | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Teachings of Jesus — Luke 16:1-13

Jesus is still answering the objection of the scribes and Pharisees to His rehabilitation of sinners. The Jewish leaders were missing the point of the rituals. They failed to understand that the rituals served as symbolic reminders of our fallen … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Teachings of Jesus — Luke 16:1-13

Church Is Not an Open Square

The church was meant to be a private family gathering. It was modeled on the synagogue; the public could attend, but the proceedings were aimed at the family members. The focus was to improve family life and strengthen the covenant. … Continue reading

Posted in eldercraft | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Church Is Not an Open Square

Teachings of Jesus — Matthew 23:23-33

Jesus said that the Scribes and Pharisees were always missing the point. Stopping to consider in your heart what was really important is still hard work today. The rabbis had reduced the study of the Covenant Law to a mere … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Teachings of Jesus — Matthew 23:23-33

Teachings of Jesus — Matthew 23:13-15

Jesus continues His condemnation of the Scribes and Pharisees. This time we examine three short items not often understood very well by Western Christians. Jesus came as the Messiah to restore the ancient ways of the Covenant. His teaching was … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Teachings of Jesus — Matthew 23:13-15

Teachings of Jesus — Matthew 16:1-12

Most people miss what Jesus is saying in this passage, because it’s all one thing: The Jewish leaders trusted in logic instead of walking in faith. Their legalism insisted that they must adhere to the Law of Moses, but they … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Teachings of Jesus — Matthew 16:1-12

The Blood Is Sacred

First, I refer you to a couple of references: Genesis 31:25-35 (emphasis on the last verse) and Christine’s post about feminine blood. Second, I remind you that a great deal of Moses’ Law pulled in existing ancient custom and belief. … Continue reading

Posted in teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Blood Is Sacred

Sermon on the Mount 6

Reputation for Honesty 5:33-37 The corrupt oral traditions in Jesus’ day saw the Pharisees and friends holding forth a catalog of various oaths. Each one was supposed to be appropriate for different contexts. These men were swearing on everything imaginable: … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Sermon on the Mount 6

Sermon on the Mount 4

Matthew 5:21-26 — The Forgotten Treasure The Sermon on the Mount explains repentance and renewing the Covenant in anticipation of the Messiah coming. In this passage, Jesus repeatedly refers to “your brother” as a reference to your covenant kinfolk. It’s … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Sermon on the Mount 4

Sermon on the Mount 3

The Last Measure — Matthew 5:17-20 Everything about this passage hangs on how you understand Matthew’s choice of the Greek word for “fulfill” (pleroo play-rah’-oh) in verse 17. Once again, let’s remind ourselves that there are two primary issues behind … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Sermon on the Mount 3