Rm 4.14 Today we take a bit of digression from our exposition to consider a topic suggested by a footnote in William R. Newell’s commentary on Romans. Our verse says that if law-works were able to save, faith would be emptied of value and the promise of God ‘put out of work’. Newell comments that God hates works and calls on us to consider instead the work of Christ on our … [Read more...] about The Works of Salvation [Romans]
The Testimony of God’s Mercy [Guest]
Rory Johnson 1 Tim 1.12-17 Our pastor’s son, Rory, is home for a few weeks after spending the summer as an intern at a church in Kansas. He is preaching the afternoon messages the Sundays he is home. In this message, Rory looks at the testimony of the apostle Paul who experienced God’s mercy to be put in the ministry and in fact to be saved at all. The conclusion of … [Read more...] about The Testimony of God’s Mercy [Guest]
Not Through Law [Romans]
Rm 4.13-16 Paul continues his proof of justification by faith by showing how law completely empties faith of any meaning and promise of any usefulness. Even more than that, if the inheritance of the world (the fullness of the promise to Abraham) can be attained by law, no one can attain it because the law only works wrath against such as us. Thank God salvation is by faith, … [Read more...] about Not Through Law [Romans]
The Commandments Expanded [Communion, Leviticus]
Lev 19 Our chapter has four notable features including the theme verse of Leviticus, “Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” The other features are a repetition or allusion to each of the ten commandments, the revelation of the second great commandment and the constant repetition of the phrase “I am the Lord (your God).” All of this emphasizes a deeper … [Read more...] about The Commandments Expanded [Communion, Leviticus]
The Fall of Man (2) [Basic Theology]
In this session we discuss the process of man’s fall from his original state into sin and death.We consider the craftiness of the serpent, the deception of Eve, and the rebellion of Adam. Read the notes while you listen (see pp. 3-4 for this session). … [Read more...] about The Fall of Man (2) [Basic Theology]