Christianity for Dummies (The Gospel)

A lot of people went to Church for the first time in a long time this past Easter Sunday.  As hard as the Church tries to make this a welcoming and wonderful experience, it can be a little overwhelming for some. Chances are there were moving songs of “redemption” and thoughtful words of Christ’s “sacrifice … Continue reading »

Galatians 6 – You reap what you sow

Everyone has heard the phrase “you reap what you sow” but how many people know that the phrase actually originates in the Bible?  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked ; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh … Continue reading »

Galatians 5 – Walk by the Spirit

Paul continues his assault on the theology of justification by works.  He lays it bare by saying people trying to earn salvation are “under obligation to keep the whole Law.” Said another way, say salvation is the top of a mountain, 3 times the size of the highest peak on Earth.  God says, “To get … Continue reading »

Galatians 4 – Heirs to Christ

Once again, Paul builds upon his message that the Gentiles are just as welcome to the Kingdom of Heaven as the Jews.  He talks about heirs (parallels the Jews) as being no different from slaves until they come of age.  But because God interceded with his Son, we are all equally adopted into the Kingdom. … Continue reading »

Galatians 3 – Faith vs. Law

When it comes to Faith vs. Law, Paul picks out the perfect example in Abraham.  We’re talking about the founding patriarch of the nation of Israel.  So he’s universally respected by the Jews (and thus the Judaizers).  But he predates the Law by hundreds of years.  How then can the Law be the only way … Continue reading »

Galatians 2 – Paul opposes Peter

Peter is an interesting guy.  One day I wouldn’t mind studying up on him a little.  He’s such a passionate guy but he’s also prone to being pushed one way or another by his moods.  Nothing exemplified this more than when he claimed that he would never leave Jesus and then denied him 3 times. … Continue reading »

Galatians 1 – Paul vs. Judaizers

Jumping back into blogging after a 2 month hiatus.  I think that after going through the Bible in a year at break neck speed,  I’ll go back and pick a book at a time and go through them slower and more deliberately.  I’ll start with Galatians (since I’ve been studying this in my small group anyway). The … Continue reading »

The Trinity – 1 John 4

This is the most succinct presentation of the Trinity that I’ve found in the Bible. (1 John 4:13-15) By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the … Continue reading »

Paul (Chief of Sinners) Model Christian

Abraham, Moses, Jacob, and other Old Testament patriarchs all point forward to Jesus.  None is greater than Jesus and in fact the argument is made (by Paul) that none is greater than John the Baptist because he clears the path for Jesus.  The New Testament, therefore is rightly devoted to Jesus Christ and his life, … Continue reading »