This question has divided opinion even amongst reformed evangelicals and the differences go back to the early days of the Reformation. Whilst there seems to have been a particularly “pro-Sabbatarian amongst the Puritans, reflected in the Westminster Confession, a more continental approach tended towards the view that the Sabbath pointed forwards to our eternal rest… Continue reading Are Christians meant to keep the Sabbath?
Tag: The Law
Neighbours
The parable of the Good Samaritan is sandwiched between Jesus sending out the 72 to spread news of the coming kingdom and Jesus’ conversation with Mary and Martha about whether Mary should be helping the Lord. 16.1 Read Luke 10:1-16 Jesus now appoints a further group of his disciples to be sent out. The language… Continue reading Neighbours
Should Christians keep Sunday as a Sabbath day?
When I was younger, the UK still had very strict rules on things like Sunday trading and sport. However, the Thatcher government was in the process of seeking to liberalise most rules. There was a prominent movement seeking to resist the arrival of Sunday trading including organisations such as The Lord’s Day Observance Society (now… Continue reading Should Christians keep Sunday as a Sabbath day?
What does the Law do?
Paul insists that the Law is unable to make us right with God. He also insists that the original promises to God’s people were about faith and not Law. Does this mean that Law and Faith or Law and Grace are in competition? A look at the text Read Galatians 3:23-29 So, does the Law… Continue reading What does the Law do?
Binding
Crucial to Paul’s argument in Galatians is that God does not change his promises or go back on his word. The idea that Gentiles can be admitted to the covenant is not a novel one or plan B but has always been God’s purpose. A look at the text (read Galatians 3:15-18) Covenants are binding… Continue reading Binding
The Law
A key thing to think about when studying Galatians is what it tells us about The Law or Torah. It seems at times that Paul is quite negative towards the Old Testament Law. Some Christians therefore will emphasise that we are not under Law but under Grace and can even speak and live as though… Continue reading The Law
How Reading Proverbs has helped my understanding of the rest of the Bible
I love the Proverbs but my appreciation of them has grown when I’ve spent time reading them as a book of the Bible, not just selecting memorable ones to quote. You see, whilst we tend to treat them as a source book for lots of anatomised wise advice, I believe that we are meant to… Continue reading How Reading Proverbs has helped my understanding of the rest of the Bible
What do I owe Him?
Jesus is engaging all comers in debate, there have been Pharisees, Sadducees and Herodians. One lawyer has been hanging back, observing. Now, he steps in with his question. Mark leaves open the question about whether this is intended as another trap but observes that this man has been impressed by Jesus’ answers so maybe there… Continue reading What do I owe Him?
Jesus on divorce … is he harsher than the OT Law? (Mark 10:1-10)
“The Old Testament God is all about Laws and rules. He’s harsh. The New Testament God is loving and kind, he is easier to follow because of grace.” How often have you heard something like that said? Does Mark 10:1-10 support or go against that assumption? Jesus is confronted by some of the Pharisees and… Continue reading Jesus on divorce … is he harsher than the OT Law? (Mark 10:1-10)
ministry nuts and bolts: What does the pastor need to know about the law?
Guest Post from Richard Pennington I’m grateful to Dave Williams for letting me contribute to his series of articles about ministry nuts and bolts, although this a a very general note as the detail would run to too many pages! I write as a retired solicitor and I dealt in my career of over 30… Continue reading ministry nuts and bolts: What does the pastor need to know about the law?
Faithroots 