A big theme throughout Galatians is that we are no longer under subjugation to The Law. This meant that Galatian believers were not to be subjected to the rituals and ceremonies of Judaism. It also meant that people were not to be excluded from belonging and fellowship on that basis. So, an important application from… Continue reading The danger of legalism
Tag: Grace
What is legalism? Faithroots Podcast
When the way forward is the way back
We got off the aeroplane at Beijing airport and jumped into a taxi, giving the driver the details of our hotel in the centre of the city. After over half hour of driving, we assumed that we must be getting close to our destination. Except my mum looked out of the window and said “We’ve… Continue reading When the way forward is the way back
Build this house
This week’s #FaithrootsPodcast on 1 Chronicles 17. Arks, Temples, Priests and Kings in a post exile Judah Key dates David’s idea (v1-2) Nathan corrected (v3-15) “David’s house will be everlasting, ultimately secured in God’s love. The future of David’s kingdom would be wholly different from the uncertainty and disaster that befell Sau’s reign.”[1] Key things… Continue reading Build this house
Regression – Galatians 4 overview
Paul develops the theme of Law’s temporary responsibility by fleshing out the image of a guardian that looks after the young child. During childhood, it is impossible to tell the difference between children and slaves, both are restricted, both under compulsion, both unable to make decisions for themselves. In other words, prior to the coming… Continue reading Regression – Galatians 4 overview
The Truth about Cats and Dogs
This was the opening illustration and title of a series of talks I did for a church on the weekend away several years back. I asked the question “What is the difference between cats and dogs”. There are two answers. The first is : When you welcome a dog into your home, feed it, provide… Continue reading The Truth about Cats and Dogs
Guilt, Grace and Forgiveness
I‘ve found, when I’m preaching, that when I touch upon the subject of guilt, something resonates. I pick up on it subjectively as I sense people’s attention being grabbed and as I watch body language and facial expressions. I pick up on it objectively as the level of feedback picks up! So guilt seems to… Continue reading Guilt, Grace and Forgiveness
Does it matter who I eat with?
The other day, a group of us were talking about what a meal with Jesus would be like. We were asked two things The answer to the second question tells us a lot about ourselves. I went with Alexander the Great and Judas. Alexander because he makes an interesting juxtaposition with Jesus, another renowned historical… Continue reading Does it matter who I eat with?
Leaders at risk
These reflections were prompted by a conversation with my dad who has been reading through 1 Samuel over the past few weeks. We were talking about Saul and his response to David’s popularity, his jealousy when David is praised for killing more Philistines than him. On one level, there’s some practical questions. How should a… Continue reading Leaders at risk
Adoption: What God says about you
When King Saul and his sons died in battle, one of the few survivors from the family was a little boy called Mephibosheth. As his family fled, he was dropped, irreparably damaging his legs so that he was unable to walk.[1] Later King David expressed the desire to show kindness to relatives of Jonathan, Saul’s… Continue reading Adoption: What God says about you
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