Podcasts about mosaic law

We received many questions about how God is presented in the Old Testament verses the New Testament. We will be dividing these questions into three separate theology nights. Tonight we will be looking at the Mosaic Law as a whole. In what way can we say the law is "holy, just, and good" (Romans 7:12)? What about the laws that are challenging, and that many skeptics claim are not good? Join us for a deep dive into the first five books of Moses as we see just how holy, just, and good the law is, and tackle the skeptics questions head on! Come with your own question too.

Send a textMost Christians are quite comfortable saying, “We're not under the civic law, and we're not under the ceremonial law.” But when it comes to the moral law, many hesitate. We instinctively want to hold on to the Ten Commandments. So, let me ask the question plainly: Are Christians under the Mosaic Law in any way? That question has created controversy for centuries. In fact, in the first century of Christianity, it caused such confusion that God gave us an entire book of the Bible to address it…... The book we today call Galatians….RISE RADIOEach week we discuss some of the most important issues we face in our society today.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFollow and support me on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon To receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at: Jeremy McCandless | Substack Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906 To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit: Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

The New Testament book of Hebrews is written to a church in the city of Rome which was comprised of persecuted Jewish Christians. This group of Christians, which numbered about 20 people or so, might be considered an insignificant church because it was only small. But this church was not treated as irrelevant by God who inspired this important document to be written to them. There are some powerful insights within Hebrews that present Jesus Christ as superior to angels, Moses, the Temple/Tabernacle, the Old Testament sacrifices and ceremonies, the Mosaic Law, the Aaronic Priesthood, and all of the Old Testament personalities.

The sermon centers on the enduring supremacy of God's promise to Abraham over the Mosaic Law, emphasizing that salvation has always been by faith, not by works. It argues that the Law, given 430 years after the Abrahamic covenant, was not a replacement but a temporary guardian designed to reveal sin and lead people to Christ, fulfilling its purpose until the promised Offspring—Jesus—arrived. The sermon affirms that the Law, though good and holy, could never grant life or justification, and that the Ten Commandments are not a separate moral code but an integral part of the unified Mosaic covenant, now fulfilled and superseded by the new covenant in Christ. Through the Spirit, believers are united with Christ, becoming sons and daughters of God and joint heirs with Him, transcending all earthly divisions in a new spiritual reality where identity and inheritance are rooted not in law but in divine promise.

The Ultimate Verdict: No Condemnation The sermon identifies the Gospel as the "best news" because it provides a permanent legal verdict of "not guilty" for those in Christ Jesus. This "no condemnation" is a present reality, meaning believers do not have to wait until death to know their standing with God; the penalty for their sin has been entirely removed because Jesus took it upon Himself. A Shift from Slave to Child Pastor Van Bemmel contrasts two different spiritual states: 1. The Law of Sin and Death: Under this "law," people are slaves to their own failures and a "sentence of doom," living in fear-based obedience. 2. The Law of the Spirit of Life: Through the Spirit of adoption, believers become children of God. Their obedience is fueled by love and security rather than the fear of punishment or being "sold off" for poor performance. God Did What the Law Could Not The sermon explains that while the Mosaic Law is holy, it is "weakened by the flesh"—meaning human nature is too broken to meet its requirements. The Mirror Analogy: Like a mirror, the Law can show that a "face is dirty" (identify sin) but lacks the power to wash it. The Intervention: God intervened by sending His Son in the "likeness of sinful flesh" to serve as a substitute. By condemning sin in Jesus' physical body on the cross, God satisfied the demands of justice without ignoring the sin itself. Walking by the Spirit The "righteous requirement" of the law is fulfilled in believers, not by them. This happens as the Holy Spirit applies Jesus' perfect record to the believer and begins to produce holiness and love within their hearts. To "walk according to the Spirit" is to stop looking inward fo

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com          Phil. 3: 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the [a]false circumcision; 3 for we are the true [b]circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and take pride in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself could boast as having confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he is confident in the flesh, I have more reason:     2-6 Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they're interested in is appearances—knife-happy circumcisers, I call them. The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ's praise as we do it. We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it—even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials.   To understand the weight of Philippians 3:2-3, you have to imagine Paul writing from a prison cell, not with a sense of defeat, but with a sharp, protective urgency for his friends in Philippi. These verses represent one of the most famous "tone shifts" in the New Testament, moving from joy to a stern warning.   1. The Historical Background When Paul writes, "Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh," he isn't just being grumpy. He is addressing a specific group known as Judaizers. The Conflict The Judaizers were early Christians who argued that for a Gentile (non-Jew) to truly follow Christ, they first had to become Jewish by being circumcised and adhering to the Mosaic Law. The Term "Dogs": In the first century, "dogs" wasn't a cute term; it referred to scavengers. Ironically, Jews often used this term for "unclean" Gentiles. Paul flips the script, calling the legalists the "unclean" ones because they were trying to add human effort to a divine gift. The "Mutilators": Paul uses a Greek wordplay here. He contrasts peritome (circumcision) with katatome(mutilation). He's saying that if circumcision is done for the wrong reasons—as a requirement for salvation—it's nothing more than a physical wound with no spiritual value.   2. Defining the "True Circumcision" In verse 3, Paul redefines what it means to be the people of God. He lists three marks of a true believer that don't depend on physical lineage: Mark Meaning Worship by the Spirit Authentic worship isn't about following a ritual checklist; it's an internal prompting from God. Glory in Christ Jesus Our "boasting" or confidence is placed entirely in what Jesus did, not in our own resumes. No Confidence in the Flesh This means we stop trusting our background, our education, or our "goodness" to save us.   3. Application for Today While we aren't usually debating physical circumcision in modern life, the root issue—legalism versus grace—is still very much alive. Avoiding "Performance" Christianity It is human nature to want a "to-do list" to feel secure. Today, "the flesh" might look like: Thinking you are closer to God because you attend more services than others. Relying on your political stance or social activism as the source of your righteousness. Feeling "better" than others because of your specific lifestyle choices. Finding True Identity Paul's message to us today is a call to spiritual exhale. If our standing with God is based on Christ's performance and not ours, we are free from the "treadmill" of trying to earn God's favor. The takeaway: Religious rituals are fine as expressions of love, but they are "dogs" if they become the basis of our hope.   Would you like me to look into the verses that immediately follow this, where Paul lists his own impressive "religious resume" only to call it "rubbish"?

Get the lesson now!This study examines Galatians 4:1–20 as Paul continues his argument that the Mosaic Law was temporary — a guardian preparing God's people for Christ. With Christ's coming, believers move from slavery under the Law to sonship through the Spirit. Paul warns the Galatians that returning to observing the Law's calendar and regulations is a regression into bondage promoted by the Judaizers. He appeals personally, reminding them of their former love for him and expressing pastoral anguish until they fully grasp the sufficiency and completeness of salvation in Christ alone.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/lets-talk-scripture/donations

Read OnlineJesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. Mark 7:31–32Throughout Jesus' public ministry, His actions, while purely charitable, were often deliberate and provocative. His words and deeds testified to the true meaning of the Mosaic Law by exposing the damaging legalism of many Pharisees, whose misinterpretations deeply influenced God's Chosen People. For example, Jesus healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath (cf. Mark 3:1–6) and cured a man who had been lame for thirty-eight years (cf. John 5:1–18). In both cases, Jesus was accused of violating the Sabbath rest as interpreted by the Pharisaic traditions. By challenging these restrictive and erroneous interpretations, Jesus demonstrated that the Sabbath is a day for mercy, healing, and honoring God, not a burdensome observance of human traditions. Jesus boldly lived the Mosaic Law as it was intended, while challenging the erroneous practices and beliefs He encountered. Another act of deliberate and charitable provocation was Jesus' ministry among the Gentiles. At that time, observant Jews often avoided direct interactions with Gentiles, considering them ritually unclean and outside the covenant community of Israel. Yet Jesus traveled into Gentile regions such as Tyre, Sidon, and the Decapolis. In today's Gospel, Jesus traveled from Tyre to Sidon and then to the Decapolis, where He healed a deaf and mute man. Being predominantly Gentile regions, they were marked by pagan worship, Hellenistic culture, and lifestyles often incompatible with Jewish religious practices. It is likely that Jesus' companions—the Twelve—were surprised and uneasy during these visits, but that was precisely the point. Their journey to these territories was itself a lesson Jesus intended to teach. By engaging with Gentiles, Jesus revealed that God's salvation is not limited to Israel but extends to all nations, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham: “All the families of the earth will find blessing in you” (Genesis 12:3). In doing so, Jesus began preparing His disciples to shed nationalistic biases and embrace the universal scope of God's covenant of salvation.The healing of the deaf and mute man carries profound significance. First, by performing the miracle in predominantly Gentile territory, Jesus directed its meaning beyond the Jews to all peoples of every nation. The message is clear: By healing the man's deafness, Jesus teaches that all must hear the saving message of the Gospel. By healing his speech impediment, Jesus further teaches that all who hear the Gospel are called to proclaim it.Though the manner of this healing—putting “his finger into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue”—is rich with symbolism, it also reveals Jesus' personal and compassionate approach. For a deaf and mute man, spoken words alone would not have conveyed what Jesus was about to do. By using touch and visible gestures, Jesus communicated with the man in a way he could understand, engaging him personally and tenderly. This reflects the boundless compassion of Jesus, Who meets each of us where we are.Reflect today on the lesson the Twelve learned as they traveled with Jesus through Gentile and pagan regions. As followers of Christ, we must learn not only from His words but also from His actions. The Creed, the Sacraments, and the moral teachings of the Church are not meant for Catholics alone but for all people. At times, sharing the Gospel might require charitable provocation within the social circles in which we live and work. We must strive to do so in ways that people can understand, setting aside artificial or inconsequential traditions that obstruct the message. True compassion leads us to every person, making us instruments of their salvation, knowing that the message we bring is for all, so that “all the families of the earth” may find blessing in God through you.My compassionate and provocative Lord, You confidently and lovingly challenged the burdensome and restrictive traditions that had overshadowed the true spirit of the Mosaic Law, pointing Your disciples—and us—to the universal scope of Your saving mission. Grant me the courage and wisdom to be an instrument of Your Gospel to everyone I meet. Help me to love them where they are, with the tenderness and compassion You show, so that they, too, may be drawn into the joy of Your eternal Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: unknown, (Markusmaler und Gehilfe), Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard invite us to see Leviticus through a surprising and grace-filled lens, not as a punitive list of rules, but as a profound love story. Together, they explore how Leviticus was designed to draw God's people into relationship, highlighting the Day of Atonement, the heart of the Mosaic Law, and how these themes echo forward into the New Testament. It's a thoughtful, hope-filled reminder that God's heart has always been about dwelling with His people. So pull up a chair and join us on the porch!

In Matthew 9, Jesus collides head-on with a religious system that knew how to label people but had no power to restore them. Tax collectors, sinners, the sick, the ceremonially unclean, the blind, and the demonized were all considered beyond hope by Pharisaical Judaism. Their suffering was seen as deserved, their condition permanent, and their future sealed. But Jesus does something shocking. He calls Matthew out of a condemned identity. He eats with sinners the system had already judged. He corrects fasting that was rooted in religious performance rather than relationship. He restores a woman who had been isolated for twelve years because her body didn't work. He responds to Jairus, who risks his position and reputation by turning to the very Messiah the establishment rejected. He opens the eyes of blind men who see Him clearly while the religious leaders remain blind. And He delivers a demonized man whom the system could not help and instead accused. Matthew 9 reveals a powerful truth. Religious systems focus on outward conformity but cannot change the heart. They demand performance, enforce masks, and leave people trapped in hopeless cycles of behavior. Jesus does not come to repair that system. He fulfills the Mosaic Law and exposes Pharisaical Judaism as bankrupt, replacing it with a kingdom marked by mercy, restoration, and real transformation from the inside out. The question this passage leaves us with is simple but unsettling. Are we living under a system that teaches us to perform and pretend, or are we following a Savior who restores what religion has rejected? Hashtags #Matthew9 #JesusRestores #RejectedByReligion #GraceOverPerformance #GospelTruth #Kingdo

In Matthew 9, Jesus collides head-on with a religious system that knew how to label people but had no power to restore them. Tax collectors, sinners, the sick, the ceremonially unclean, the blind, and the demonized were all considered beyond hope by Pharisaical Judaism. Their suffering was seen as deserved, their condition permanent, and their future sealed. But Jesus does something shocking. He calls Matthew out of a condemned identity. He eats with sinners the system had already judged. He corrects fasting that was rooted in religious performance rather than relationship. He restores a woman who had been isolated for twelve years because her body didn't work. He responds to Jairus, who risks his position and reputation by turning to the very Messiah the establishment rejected. He opens the eyes of blind men who see Him clearly while the religious leaders remain blind. And He delivers a demonized man whom the system could not help and instead accused. Matthew 9 reveals a powerful truth. Religious systems focus on outward conformity but cannot change the heart. They demand performance, enforce masks, and leave people trapped in hopeless cycles of behavior. Jesus does not come to repair that system. He fulfills the Mosaic Law and exposes Pharisaical Judaism as bankrupt, replacing it with a kingdom marked by mercy, restoration, and real transformation from the inside out. The question this passage leaves us with is simple but unsettling. Are we living under a system that teaches us to perform and pretend, or are we following a Savior who restores what religion has rejected? Hashtags #Matthew9 #JesusRestores #RejectedByReligion #GraceOverPerformance #GospelTruth #KingdomOfGod #GreatPhysician #FromRejectionToRestoration #ChristianTeaching #BibleTeaching #JesusOverReligion

Message from Nate Faires on February 8, 2026

Dave Rich concludes his examination of how Christians should approach the Old Testament for ethical guidance. Building on previous lessons about the Mosaic law, Rich shifts focus to the creation ordinances—commands given to Adam before the law of Moses even existed. He walks through Genesis to identify seven binding ordinances that remain in force today: procreation, subduing the earth, dominion over creatures, labor, the weekly Sabbath, and marriage. Rich demonstrates how these foundational commands inform modern ethical debates on work, environmentalism, marriage and sexuality, abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment. He shows how each of the Ten Commandments finds expression in New Testament teaching, proving that Christians haven't abandoned Old Testament morality but understand it through the lens of the new covenant established in Christ. The message includes practical teaching on the threefold use of God's law: its pedagogical function in revealing our sin and driving us to the gospel, its civil function in restraining evil and maintaining order, and its normative function in guiding believers toward obedience. Rich emphasizes that while Christians are not legally bound to the Mosaic law, they remain obligated to learn from it and apply its principles as God's revealed wisdom for righteous living. ★ Support this podcast ★

The sermon explores Habakkuk's profound struggle with divine silence amid rampant injustice and national corruption, revealing that God's apparent inaction is not indifference but sovereign judgment. Through a faithful exposition of Habakkuk 1:2–11, the preacher highlights how God's response—raising up the Chaldeans as instruments of judgment—shatters human expectations, demonstrating that God's justice transcends human notions of fairness and reform. The passage underscores that Judah's destruction is not a failure of God's covenant but the fulfillment of the Mosaic Law's curses, rooted in persistent idolatry and moral decay, thus affirming the law's enduring power and divine authority. The sermon emphasizes that God's justice, though shocking and seemingly disproportionate, is grounded in His holiness and faithfulness to His covenant, inviting believers to trust His wisdom even when His ways are beyond comprehension. Ultimately, the message calls for a reverent fear of God, a recognition of His patience, and a deep reliance on His redemptive grace through Christ.

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!Can a heart stained by the worst kinds of betrayal ever truly be restored?? When the world demands justice, does God offer a different way back? In this devotional on Psalm 51, we step into the wreckage of King David’s greatest failure—the affair with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. We move beyond a simple apology to uncover the specific Hebrew anatomy of David's confession: Pesha (rebellion), Avon (twistedness), and Hata'ah (missing the mark). We explore the shocking reality that under Mosaic Law, David should have faced the death penalty, yet he boldly asks God to "create a way" where the law offered none. Join host Jaime Hampton on the Praying Christian Women podcast for a session of radical vulnerability. If you’ve ever felt like your mistakes have disqualified you from God’s presence, or that you are not worthy due to your past mistakes, this episode offers a roadmap from guilt to gladness. Come ready to run toward the Father who doesn't just want your perfection, but your broken and contrite heart. Discover More: Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts! Connect with Us: Stay updated and engage with our community: On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In biblical times, observing the day of Sabbath was a fundamental part of religious life and a clear commandment in the Mosaic Law. But what does the Sabbath mean for Christians today? In this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro reveals the answer by exploring the significance of rest and renewal in Jesus.

Read OnlineThere was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. Mark 5:25–29According to Jewish law, the condition from which this woman suffered rendered her ritually unclean, which excluded her from both religious and social life, causing her to endure not only physical suffering but also psychological and emotional isolation (cf. Leviticus 15:25–27). This isolation, while difficult, reflected the Mosaic Law's intent to teach Israel about the holiness of God and the need for purification to approach Him.Her condition symbolically reflects the spiritual affliction of sin—an incurable state that separates humanity from God and others. By permitting her suffering, God prepared the way for His glory to be revealed through her healing. Her humble yet bold act of faith—reaching out to touch the cloak of Christ—teaches us to trust in God's power and mercy. Her suffering was permitted, not as punishment, but as an opportunity for God to manifest His saving power. Through her faith, she not only received physical healing, but also restoration to her community and a share in God's glory.This Gospel invites us to see ourselves in this woman. Spiritually speaking, her condition mirrors our state when burdened by sin, which causes an interior isolation and separates us from God's family. Sin ultimately leaves us dissatisfied and alienated. Like the woman's healing, our restoration requires a humble act of faith, reaching out to Christ in the sacraments, where His grace heals and restores us.Beyond sin, we all face various afflictions—physical, emotional, or relational—that can weigh us down. In these moments, it is natural to seek immediate relief. Yet this Gospel reminds us that God's plan for our lives often includes permitting suffering for a time to bring about a greater good. The woman's twelve years of affliction were not in vain; they became the means through which God revealed His glory and brought her into deeper communion with Him. Similarly, our sufferings—whether caused by sin, physical ailments, or rejection—are opportunities for God to manifest His saving power, if we approach Him with trust and humility.Believing these truths can indeed be difficult, especially when we are in the midst of suffering. In such moments, we must rely on the gift of supernatural hope, which is borne of grace and sustains us when human strength falters. Hope is rooted in the certitude of faith, and faith opens our hearts to truths that transcend the limitations of human reason (cf. Hebrews 11:1). This humble woman exemplifies both faith and hope in the face of suffering. Her unwavering belief in Jesus' power to heal not only inspired her to hope but also moved her to act. Her hope compelled her to reach out and touch His garment, trusting that even the slightest connection to Christ could bring her healing. By this simple yet profound act of faith, she received far more than physical healing—she encountered the transformative power of God's mercy and love, which restored her fully and brought her into deeper communion with Him. Reflect today on the example of this holy and humble woman. Her act of faith inspires us to approach Christ with humble confidence, especially in moments of suffering and need. Like her, we are called to humble ourselves, reach out to Jesus in prayer, and trust in His power to spiritually heal and restore. In the sacraments, particularly Reconciliation and the Eucharist, we touch the hem of Christ's garment and encounter the transformative power of His mercy. Pray for the grace to trust in God's providence, knowing that He lovingly permits even our trials to lead us to deeper communion with Him and to reveal His glory in our lives. My merciful Lord, You allow me to endure the effects of sin and the frailty of my fallen human nature, not as punishment, but as an invitation to deepen my faith and hope in You. In moments of affliction, grant me the grace to turn to You with trust, believing in Your power to transform all things into good and to reveal Your eternal glory. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via picrylSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Full Text of Readings The Saint of the day is Presentation of the Lord The Story of the Presentation of the Lord At the end of the fourth century, a woman named Etheria made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Her journal, discovered in 1887, gives an unprecedented glimpse of liturgical life there. Among the celebrations she describes is the Epiphany, the observance of Christ's birth, and the gala procession in honor of his Presentation in the Temple 40 days later. Under the Mosaic Law, a woman was ritually “unclean” for 40 days after childbirth, when she was to present herself to the priests and offer sacrifice—her “purification.” Contact with anyone who had brushed against mystery—birth or death—excluded a person from Jewish worship. This feast emphasizes Jesus' first appearance in the Temple more than Mary's purification. The observance spread throughout the Western Church in the fifth and sixth centuries. Because the Church in the West celebrated Jesus' birth on December 25, the Presentation was moved to February 2, 40 days after Christmas. At the beginning of the eighth century, Pope Sergius inaugurated a candlelight procession; at the end of the same century the blessing and distribution of candles which continues to this day became part of the celebration, giving the feast its popular name: Candlemas. Reflection In Luke's account, Jesus was welcomed in the temple by two elderly people, Simeon and the widow Anna. They embody Israel in their patient expectation; they acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Early references to the Roman feast dub it the feast of Saint Simeon, the old man who burst into a song of joy which the Church still sings at day's end.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Big Question: Live for God in the Christ-faith because the source of righteousness is not the Mosaic Law.1. Cephas' Hypocrisy at Antioch (11–13)2. Paul's Confrontation for Gospel Truth (14–21)

"Why was the Mosaic Law given—and what role does it play in God's plan of salvation? In Galatians 3:19–25, the Apostle Paul answers this question directly, showing that the law was never intended to justify sinners, but to point them unmistakably to Christ.In this sermon, we examine Paul's redemptive-historical argument that the law was “added because of transgressions” and remained in force only until the promised Seed—Jesus Christ—came. Far from providing an alternative way of salvation, the Mosaic system was designed to expose sin, shut every mouth, and prepare God's people for the coming of the true atonement.We consider Paul's teaching on the law as a temporary guardian or tutor, explaining how both the moral law and the ceremonial system functioned together to reveal humanity's guilt while pointing beyond themselves to a greater sacrifice. The sacrifices declared that sin required blood, but they could never take sin away. Their purpose was to direct faith forward—to the Redeemer God himself would provide.This passage also clarifies why Christians are no longer under the Mosaic economy, while still affirming the enduring moral law of God. The tutor has done its work. Faith has come. Christ has accomplished what the law could only proclaim as necessary but unattainable.Ultimately, Galatians 3:19–25 teaches that even the giving of the law serves one central purpose in redemptive history: to magnify the glory of Christ and to drive sinners away from self-righteousness and toward salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.May God grant us eyes to see that everything in Scripture—even the law itself—declares the sufficiency of our Redeemer and calls us to rest in his finished work."

Dave Rich continues his examination of how Christians should approach the Old Testament law. This teaching tackles one of the most debated questions in biblical ethics: Are believers still bound by the Mosaic law? Rich methodically works through the traditional categories of moral, ceremonial, and civil law, revealing why these divisions—while useful—don't actually appear in Scripture itself. He demonstrates that the Bible presents the law as a unified whole, yet the New Testament clearly teaches that Christians live under a new covenant established at Christ's death. Through careful exposition of passages from Hebrews, Jeremiah, Romans, and the Gospels, Rich shows how the old covenant has been surpassed by something better. He explains the distinction between being legally obligated to Mosaic law versus learning from its wisdom and principles. The message addresses real questions believers face: What about the Sabbath? Food laws? Civil penalties? Rich provides clarity on which Old Testament commands still apply and why, helping Christians navigate Scripture with both freedom and faithfulness to God's unchanging character. (199 words) ★ Support this podcast ★

At this point in Mark's Gospel, the opposition to Jesus has intensified. The religious leaders are enraged by how Jesus interprets and practices the Mosaic Law in a manner incompatible with their narrow interpretations and ossified practices. At one point, he tells a parable that suggests his approach to the Law will burst and destroy the traditions of men. Jesus doesn't shy from confrontation because his mission was to proclaim the end of religion.

"What was the purpose of the Mosaic Law—and just as importantly, what was it not given to do? In Galatians 3:15–18, the Apostle Paul answers a crucial question that lies at the heart of the doctrine of justification by faith: Was the law ever meant to overturn God's promise of salvation in Christ?In this sermon, we examine Paul's legal and redemptive-historical argument that once God ratified the covenant of promise with Abraham, it could not be annulled by the law that came 430 years later. The promise of inheritance and worldwide blessing was never grounded in obedience to the law, but in God's gracious promise—fulfilled in Abraham's singular seed, Jesus Christ.We also address Paul's much-debated grammatical argument concerning the “seed” of Abraham, showing how it is rooted in the Hebrew text itself and climaxes in Genesis 22:18. Far from undermining Moses, Paul demonstrates that the Mosaic Law was always subordinate to—and supportive of—the promise of salvation in Christ.This passage decisively refutes the idea that the Old Testament taught salvation by works, and it affirms the fundamental unity of Scripture: from beginning to end, the Bible proclaims one gospel—salvation by grace through faith in the promised Messiah.May God grant us grace to see the glory of this salvation and to cling to Christ alone, in whom all the promises of God find their “Yes” and “Amen.”#Galatians #JustificationByFaith #LawAndGospel #AbrahamicCovenant #ChristInTheOT #BiblicalTheology #ReformedTheology #SolaFide #PromiseAndLaw #JesusChrist #ExpositoryPreaching"

Dave Rich tackles one of the most debated questions in Christian theology: How should believers use the Old Testament law for ethical guidance? With clarity and biblical precision, he examines the 613 Mosaic laws and asks which ones still apply to Christians today. Why do we follow some commandments but not others? Are the Ten Commandments still binding? What about dietary restrictions and civil penalties?Rich walks through six major theological approaches to the law, from Marcionism's complete rejection to views that embrace nearly all Old Testament regulations. He examines New Testament passages that seem contradictory—some declaring the law a burden not to be imposed on believers, others affirming its holiness and value. The answer lies in understanding covenant discontinuity while recognizing the law's ongoing revelatory purpose.Christians aren't bound by Mosaic stipulations, but the entire Old Testament remains valuable for ethical wisdom when read through the lens of the New Covenant. This teaching equips believers to handle Scripture accurately, avoid both legalism and lawlessness, and apply timeless biblical principles to modern life. ★ Support this podcast ★

Get your notes for this teaching!What happens when the gospel itself is put on trial?In Galatians 2:1–10, Paul faces pressure to compromise grace and return to the law — and he refuses.False brothers attempt to force circumcision, re-impose the Mosaic Law, and drag Gentile believers back into spiritual bondage. Paul stands firm so that the truth of the gospel would remain.This teaching reveals the real conflict in the early church: freedom in Christ versus religious legalism. You will see why Titus became the test case, how Paul defended the gospel, and why apostolic authority is rooted in divine calling, not human reputation. James, Peter, and John ultimately affirm Paul's mission — proving that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.If you've ever wondered how law and grace fit together, why Paul resisted the Judaizers, or what it truly means to live free in Christ, this study will bring clarity and conviction.Topics in this teaching:Paul vs false teachers, law vs grace, Galatians 2 explained, Christian freedom, justification by faith, apostolic authority, early church controversy, sound doctrine, verse-by-verse Bible studySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/lets-talk-scripture/donations

Read OnlineWhen Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee… From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:12, 17When John the Baptist was arrested, his followers were likely overcome with fear and grief. The man they revered as a prophet, who fearlessly proclaimed the coming of the Messiah and called for repentance through baptism, had been imprisoned. John was arrested by Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, infamous for ordering the massacre of infants in Bethlehem. Like his father, Herod Antipas was ambitious and morally corrupt. As tetrarch of Galilee and Perea under Roman authority, Herod's political survival depended on maintaining Roman favor. He often used religion to secure legitimacy among the Jewish people, though his actions routinely violated Jewish law.Though nominally Jewish, the Herodian dynasty was of Idumean descent, tracing its lineage to Esau rather than Jacob. The Idumeans were forcibly converted to Judaism between 135–104 BC. While this history granted the Herods a claim to Jewish identity, their foreign lineage and collaboration with Rome made them unpopular with many Jews. Herod Antipas, like his father, prioritized political cunning and personal ambition over genuine adherence to Jewish law.When John the Baptist emerged on the scene, he proclaimed his message with fearless conviction. His central call was one of repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins, urging the people to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. Yet John did not shy away from addressing the moral and spiritual corruption of his time. He famously denounced the Pharisees and Sadducees as a “brood of vipers,” rebuking their hypocrisy and lack of genuine repentance. John also boldly condemned Herod Antipas for violating Jewish law by divorcing his wife and marrying Herodias, the wife of his half-brother, Philip. This marriage not only violated Mosaic Law but also reflected Herod's ambitions to consolidate power and status. John's fearless denunciation of sin, even among the powerful, ultimately led to his arrest and eventual martyrdom.This historical context surrounding John's arrest is crucial because it helps us understand God's providence—how He permits certain evils to occur in order to bring about a greater good. Jesus Himself later affirmed John's greatness, saying, “Among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). If the Son of God declared John's greatness shortly after John's arrest, why didn't God miraculously free him from persecution? The answer lies in John's mission. He had fulfilled his primary role: preparing the way for the Lord, the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Once John's mission was complete, God permitted him to seal his testimony with his own blood, offering his life as a martyr for the Lord and for the Truth that sets all people free.Reflect today on John's arrest and consider how you might have reacted if you had been one of his disciples. From an earthly perspective, martyrdom is difficult to comprehend or accept, especially in our own lives or in the lives of those we love. Though John's arrest and subsequent martyrdom likely brought fear and grief to his disciples, shaking their sense of security, from an eternal perspective, John's martyrdom was his greatest act of witness. It fulfilled his mission by pointing his disciples—and all of us—toward the true Prophet and Messiah, Jesus Christ. John is forever glorified in Heaven, and in the end, that is all that truly matters. As we honor John's unwavering faith, seek to embrace God's permissive will in your own life. Even in the face of suffering or evil, trust that God, in His providence, can bring about a greater good if we surrender ourselves fully to Him.My provident and loving God, You permit evil to touch the lives of Your faithful followers, knowing that in Your perfect Wisdom, You can bring forth a greater good. Grant me the heart of a martyr, filled with courage and trust, whenever I face injustice in my life. Help me to unite my every trial to Yours, in imitation of Saint John the Baptist and Your own Passion and Death. Jesus, I trust in You.ImageSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple: Commentary on Luke 2:22-35Dive deep into the rich historical and theological meaning of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple with this compilation of ancient Christian commentary.This video brings together the insights of three key Church Fathers:St. Cyril of Alexandria (d. 444): Explores Christ as the Mediator, the "Light for revelation to the Gentiles," and the "glory of Your people Israel." He explains Simeon's prophecy of Christ being appointed for the "fall and rising of many" and the "sword" that would pierce the Virgin Mary's soul.St. Bede the Venerable (d. 735): Discusses Mary's voluntary submission to the Law for our freedom and the mystical significance of the offering of two turtledoves or two young pigeons. He interprets the pigeon as simplicity and the turtledove as chastity, and also relates them to the active and contemplative lives.St. Ephrem the Syrian (d. 373): Focuses on Simeon as the vessel of priesthood and prophecy, explaining how he "handed over the keys" of both gifts to Christ, the Lord of all fullness, drawing a parallel between the first Simeon (the priest) and the second Simeon (Peter the Apostle).Key Themes Explored:Christ's humility and obedience to the Mosaic Law.The profound meaning of Simeon's prophecy.The role of the Virgin Mary.The symbolism of the sacrifice of the poor (turtledoves and pigeons).The union of priesthood and prophecy in Christ.Whether you're studying Scripture, Church history, or looking for a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in the life of Christ, this commentary offers timeless spiritual guidance.#Luke2 #PresentationInTheTemple #Candlemas #StCyrilOfAlexandria #Bede #EphremTheSyrian #ChurchFathers #BiblicalCommentary #Theology #ChristianHistory #SimeonsProphecy #ScriptureStudy

Test Me Speaker: David Boudreaux, Elder at ReCreate Church Scripture: Malachi 3:7-10 Episode Summary Elder David Boudreaux shares a message about the one time God actually invites us to test Him - in the area of tithing. Using the Emergency Broadcast System as an illustration, he walks through Malachi's final Old Testament message where God challenges His people who have robbed Him through withheld tithes and offerings. This isn't about legalism or a prosperity gospel, but about trusting God as a good steward of all He's given us. Key Points – The concept of tithing began before the Mosaic Law with Cain, Abel, Abraham, and Jacob giving free-will offerings – God told Israel they were robbing Him by withholding tithes and offerings, resulting in a curse on the nation – In Malachi 3:10, God uniquely invites us to "test Me in this" - to see if He won't open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings – Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial Law, but tithing preceded and remains after the Law as a principle for God's people – God owns everything (100%), but allows us to manage 90% as stewards while the tithe belongs to His house – Giving should be done cheerfully as decided in our hearts, not reluctantly or under compulsion – The poor widow who gave her last two mites understood putting God's kingdom first, trusting Him to provide Main Takeaway God says "you can't afford not to" tithe. This isn't about legalism or a slot-machine prosperity gospel - it's about being good stewards of what God has already given us. When we give back even a portion of what He's blessed us with, we're testing God's faithfulness and participating in His kingdom work. It's not giving away our stuff; it's giving back from His provision. Memorable Quotes – "God is saying to them and us… You can't afford not to [tithe]." – "I'm not giving away any portion of my stuff - But I'm giving back a portion of what God has blessed me with." – "God does not normally command us to give everything that belongs to Him. He allows us to keep some 90% as managers or stewards, on his behalf." – "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." – "God called it robbery because they had unlawful possession of what belonged to God." – "If we can't give freely, but only reluctantly, perhaps the Lord would rather not have it." – "The important thing is that we see giving as a privilege and not a burden. It should not be out of a sense of duty, but rather out of love for the Lord and a desire to see His kingdom advanced." Reflection Question If you're not currently tithing, will you turn to God and talk to Him about starting somewhere - even if 10% doesn't feel possible right now - trusting that He will provide your basic needs while you support His church and kingdom work? Tune in to hear about the old Emergency Broadcast System that interrupted all three TV channels, why the poor widow's two mites were worth more than the rich people's gifts, and the one time in Scripture where God actually invites us to put Him to the test. Connect & Give Learn more about ReCreate Church at www.recreatechurch.org Give online easily and securely through Tithe.ly

The central message of this sermon is that the Mosaic Law, while good and divinely ordained, was never intended to justify or save humanity, but rather served as a temporary tutor to reveal sin, expose human failure, and drive people to Christ. Paul's argument in Galatians 3:19–25 underscores that the law was added because of transgressions, not to provide salvation, and functions primarily to diagnose spiritual death by revealing God's holy standards—thereby provoking sin rather than curing it. Though the law was given through angels and mediated by Moses, it was inherently limited, pointing beyond itself to the promised Seed, Jesus Christ, whose righteousness alone justifies. Once faith in Christ has come, believers are no longer under the law's condemnation or tutelage, as their standing before God is secured by grace through faith alone, not by works or obedience. The sermon warns against legalism, emphasizing that any attempt to use the law as a means of maintaining or earning justification contradicts the gospel and returns believers to spiritual bondage, while affirming that Christ's work is fully sufficient for salvation and sanctification.

"Dispensationalism” has recently been in the news. It's a theological term describing an approach to Scripture looking at the categories of history in God's revelation, such as before and after the Mosaic Law and the end times. What should we make of topics like this?

"Dispensationalism” has recently been in the news. It's a theological term describing an approach to Scripture looking at the categories of history in God's revelation, such as before and after the Mosaic Law and the end times. What should we make of topics like this?

One of the practical results of the Gospel is that grace of the Mosaic Law been supplanted by the more glorious grace and truth of Jesus Christ.Readings from this service:Isaiah 60: 1-5, 19-22Psalm 84: 9-13John 1: 14-18Thanks for listening! CONNECT with CCFC:Visit us on FacebookVisit our websiteDownload our app!

The Mosaic Law is still very good and useful today in this New Covenant age of the Church. The main use of the Law of Moses today is to reveal sin by teaching God's spiritual and moral standards. The Law still shows the sinfulness of sin and therefore points people to their need for salvation through faith in the Gospel. Furthermore, there is a moral code that goes along with the Gospel; the underlying ethical core of the Old Testament, rooted in God's unchanging nature, still stands as the foundation of the Law of Christ today in the New Covenant.

What reasons for divorce were permitted under the Mosaic Law? What are the grounds for a Christian to divorce today? The answers are clear as the prophet Malachi speaks directly to Israel and addresses their sin.

What if God's law moved from stone tablets to your heart? We walk through the end of Hebrews chapter 8 and venture into the beginning of chapter 9 to show why Jesus is the better priest who brings a better covenant with better promises—and why that changes everything about how we know God, obey, and worship. We unpack Jeremiah chapter 31's promise of an inner work of the Spirit, explore how the covenant speaks to Israel while blessing the nations, and clarify a key tension: the Mosaic Law is obsolete, yet God's moral will is fulfilled in us through the law of Christ.From there, we step into the tabernacle. Picture the outer court, the holy place, and the Holy of Holies sealed by a veil. Only the high priest entered once a year with blood for the mercy seat. Every detail shouted distance. Then the cross tore the veil. Jesus, our great High Priest, presented His own blood, opened a living way into God's presence, and continues interceding for us. The smoke of incense that once hovered before the curtain now imagery-richly belongs inside, because our Advocate is already there.This conversation connects theology to hope and practice. If the Spirit writes God's ways on our hearts, obedience grows from desire, not fear. If the law of Christ guides us, we live led by the Spirit rather than by ritual. If access is open, we come boldly to the throne of grace. Along the way, we address Israel and The Body of Christ [The Messiah], the promise of future belief, and how Gentiles share in covenant blessings without erasing the text's plain meaning. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves Hebrews, and leave a review telling us: what part of the new covenant gives you the most confidence today?Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

While the Old Covenant Israelites received instruction from Moses directly, Paul, in the New Covenant, received training from God personally. Join Kenneth Copeland and Professor Greg Stephens on Believer's Voice of Victory and learn that, like Paul, your training is not based on Mosaic Law. All that you learn is based on the sacrifice of Jesus and instruction from the Holy Spirit. Together, they explore God's WORD to highlight key points about the revelation of Paul and why The LORD inspired him to know it.

While the Old Covenant Israelites received instruction from Moses directly, Paul, in the New Covenant, received training from God personally. Join Kenneth Copeland and Professor Greg Stephens on Believer's Voice of Victory and learn that, like Paul, your training is not based on Mosaic Law. All that you learn is based on the sacrifice of Jesus and instruction from the Holy Spirit. Together, they explore God's WORD to highlight key points about the revelation of Paul and why The LORD inspired him to know it.

Questions about whether anyone who tithes is not a Christian and is accursed since Paul says that if you obey one part of the Mosaic Law you're obligated to obey all of it, and the claim that tithing preceded the Law and therefore remains a principle for the church today.   Since Paul says that if you obey one part of the Law to please God you're obligated to obey all of it, does that mean that anyone who tithes is not a Christian and is accursed? How would you respond to the claim that tithing preceded the Law of Moses, as evidenced by Abraham giving a tenth to Melchizedek in Genesis 14, and therefore remains a principle for the church today?

What if the most famous tithe in the Bible wasn't about a rule at all, but about recognizing a greater King and Priest? We open Hebrews chapter 7 and discover why Abraham's gift to Melchizedek predates the Mosaic Law and why that matters for how we give, how we worship, and how we understand Jesus' ministry today. Instead of arguing for a quota, the passage raises a bigger claim: a superior priesthood has arrived, grounded not in lineage but in the power of an indestructible life.We walk through the key moves of the text: Melchizedek blesses Abraham, so the greater blesses the lesser; Levi “pays” tithes in Abraham, elevating Melchizedek's order above the Levitical priesthood; and if the priesthood changes, the law must change too. That's where everything turns. The Mosaic Law could diagnose sin but could not make anyone complete. Jesus, our priest forever according to Psalm 110, brings a better hope, a new covenant, and real nearness to God. The law of Christ—love God and love neighbor—raises the bar beyond rule-keeping and empowers obedience through the Spirit.We also rethink generosity in light of this better priesthood. The New Testament calls us to give freely, joyfully, and abundantly, not under compulsion. If giving feels like an invoice, we miss the point. Generosity becomes participation in God's work, a way to share in its fruit with open hands and a full heart. And because Jesus' priesthood never ends, our hope is not seasonal or symbolic; it's anchored in his ongoing intercession and his once-for-all sacrifice.Join us as we trace how Hebrews 7 reframes tithing, priesthood, and law around Jesus—greater than angels, greater than Moses, and greater than the old priesthood. If this conversation helps you see giving and grace with fresh eyes, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Send us a text      In Romans 3:31 Pauls says, "Should we overthrow the law by this faith? And his answer is,"By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law". We can't disregard the nexus between Old Testament and New Testament passages. May you be blessed by this reflection of God's Word. Support the show

Daily Dose of Hope December 5, 2025   Scripture – Acts 11   Prayer:  Almighty God, We come to you today with humble hearts.  We are broken and we need you.  Help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you this morning.  Help us set aside distractions so we might hear your voice.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, help us just focus on Jesus...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope once again.  This is the podcast and devotional that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading.  We are working through the book of Acts and today we are talking about Acts 11.   What a great chapter!  It starts with Peter explaining why he entered the house of a Gentile and how the new believers received the Holy Spirit.  Isn't it interesting that the church leaders in Jerusalem don't start by asking Peter about the Gentiles' conversion?  No, they are more worried about Peter being a good Jew.  They are more worried about the superficial.  They are fixated on Peter entering a Gentile's home and eating with him.  Man looks on the outside but God looks on the heart.  God is less worried about the food that's eaten and more concerned about the souls of people.    At the same time, I get it.  These Jewish church leaders had been taught the law from the time they were wee ones.  Yes, Jesus had opened up new doors and broken down barriers, but the law is the law.  This struggle with whether/how to follow the Mosaic Law as a follower of Jesus will be a major theme throughout the rest of the New Testament.  We are quite removed from it as Gentile believers 2000 years later, but this was a big, big deal.  It was very complex deciding what to keep and not keep, what to follow and not follow.  There was also such a huge disparity in background between the Gentile believers and the Jewish believers.  This will come in to play in the next few chapters.   Let's talk a little bit about the church at Antioch.  This is the first place the Jesus followers are called Christians and we have the scattered Jews and the local Greeks worshiping together.  Large numbers of Gentiles come to believe in Jesus, showing God's divine favor in this new direction of the Gospel.  Antioch became a model for a diverse church, but it also became a hub of sorts for Paul and Barnabas' missionary journeys.  This was a church that was driven by a mission to save the lost and they kept expanding past the walls of their own church and community.   What might we learn from Antioch?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki          

The Epistle of James is particularly remembered for its message about faith.  Faith is a vital factor in our salvation, but the genuineness of our faith is shown in what it causes us to do. James writes, “If you really fulfil the royal law according to scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself,' you are doing well.” [2 v.8]  It surprises some to realize that this “royal law” is not one of the ten commandments, yet when Jesus was asked by a lawyer, “Teacher which is the great commandment in the Law? … he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment.  And the second is like it:  You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the prophets.” [Matt. 22 v.36-40] Do you realize when Moses wrote this commandment? Jesus was quoting from Leviticus 19 v.18; it was one they only applied when it suited them!  Recall the parable of the Good Samaritan that he told to answer the question, “Who is my neighbour?' So James presses home the point, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”[v.14-17]In verse 12 James told his readers to “act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty” – what did he mean?  He had already made the point in Ch.1 v.25 that “the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing”   The point is, they have been liberated, given freedom, from keeping the letter of the Mosaic Law – they now had to keep “the perfect law” that Jesus had spelt out in answering the lawyer. The chapter concludes with examples from the lives of Abraham and Rahab who showed their faith by what they did.   The last verse makes the point, “For as the body apart from the spirit (breath) is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”

The Gospel is simple: That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved. Romans 10:9 But God is extremely intelligent, and His message sometimes comes across as rather complicated. You will probably think that about this message. Just keep in mind the big picture: The Messiah is coming into the world, and everything, including the Mosiac Law and all the religious traditions, must yield to the new order. Micah 5:1-4 Now muster yourselves in troops, daughter of troops: they have laid siege against us; with a rod they will strike the judge of Israel on the cheek. But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His times of coming forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity. Therefore, He will give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth. Then the remainder of His kinsmen will return to the sons of Israel. And He will arise and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD His God. And they will remain, because at that time He will be great to the ends of the earth. And we see the fulfillment of this prophecy in Luke Chapter 2: Luke 2:8-11 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And so the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. The city of David. Sometimes we think of Jerusalem as the city of David, but David was not from Jerusalem. He conquered Jerusalem and drove out the Jebusites in 2 Samuel 5:6-8. If you recall from a previous sermon, thats where David developed the loathing for the blind and lame that figures so prominently in the meeting with Mephibosheth. The original city of David is Bethlehem (house of bread). As we saw recently, in Keiths sermon on Ruth, that story of how Boaz and Ruth unite is set in Bethlehem, and at the end of that book, we see the lineage traced down to David. Further evidence of Davids ties to Bethlehem occurs in I Samuel 20:27-29, where Jonathan tests his father Saul to see what his true intentions toward David are by stating that David was not present because he had to go to Bethlehem for a family gathering. To fulfill Scripture, God influences Caesar Augustus to issue a decree for a world-wide census, and all people must return to their birthplace. Joseph was betrothed to Mary at the time, and she was pregnant with the Messiah. Since he was from Bethlehem, he had to return there from Nazareth in Galilee. When Joseph and Mary arrive in Bethlehem, Marys time to deliver her baby arrives, and Jesus is born in Bethlehem, just as prophesied in Micah. Micah gives us an intriguing detail about this ruler from Bethlehem. His times of coming are from long ago, from the days of eternity. Now, how can a person who comes from Bethlehem come from eternity? Well, the answer is that the person must be eternal, and that has to be God. So, we have an eternal ruler of Israel who will be born in Bethlehem. This prophecy about the Messiah was well known in Jesus day. In Matthew 2:1-6, we see the chief priests and scribes correctly identify the location of the birth of the King of the Jews as Bethlehem, and they quote our passage from Micah 5. The first reference to a ruler from Judah (Bethlehem is in the province of Judah) is in Genesis 49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the rulers staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes. Another similar prophecy occurs in Numbers 24:17, spoken by Balaam: I see him, but not now; I look at him, but not near; a star shall appear from Jacob, a scepter shall rise from Israel, and shall smash the forehead of Moab, and overcome all the sons of Sheth. This prophecy does not mention Judah specifically, but mentions a scepter which will arise from Jacob, and of course Judah is one of Jacob (Israels) sons. All the verses we have looked at so far have focused on political and governmental power. But the Messiah is not just a King; He is also a Priest, but not a Levitical priest. What if, as a God-fearing person under the Mosaic Law, you became hopelessly frustrated with your own sinfulness and inability to obey the Law. Suppose you cried out to God for mercy because you knew that, according to the Mosaic Law, you stood condemned. And suddenly, God opened your eyes to another way to approach Him: Psalm 40:6-8 You have not desired sacrifice and meal offering; You have opened my ears; You have not required burnt offering and sin offering. Then I said, Behold, I have come; it is written of me in the scroll of the book. I delight to do Your will, my God; Your Law is within my heart. According to Numbers 3:9, Levites were the only permissible priests: So you shall assign the Levites to Aaron and to his sons; they are exclusively assigned to him from the sons of Israel. So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons that they may keep their priesthood, but the layman who comes near shall be put to death. But if you are no longer trying to approach God through the Law of Moses, you need another Priest outside the Levitical priesthood, because they only serve the Tabernacle. Fortunately, God provided us a Priest that fits our needs. To see this, we must turn to the Psalms. There are psalms known as Messianic Psalms which prophetically point to the ministry of the Messiah. Some of them are Psalm 2, 8, 16, 22 and 110. It is in Psalm 110 that we see the combined offices of King and Priest: Psalm 110:1-4 The LORD says to my Lord: Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet. The LORD will stretch out Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, Rule in the midst of Your enemies. Your people will volunteer freely on the day of Your power; in holy splendor, from the womb or the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew. The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. In this passage, we see the scepter of the ruler and the role of the priest, combined in this Person to whom the LORD (Yahweh) speaks, identified as Lord (Adonai). This Lord (Adonai) is both Ruler and Priest, but not a Levitical priest. Instead, He is identified as a priest according to the order of Melchizedek. If you were a Jewish scribe, this passage should have troubled you. How could the Ruler of Israel, the Messiah, be a priest if he came from Judah, rather than Levi? Very mysterious. Melchizedek is only mentioned one other place in the Old Testament. He shows up in Genesis 14. This is after Abram rescues his nephew Lot from Chedorlaomer king of Elam and three other kings with him. Abram had also reclaimed other persons who were captured as well as many of their possessions. He was indirectly helping the king of Sodom, since that is where Lot lived. Abram meets up with the king of Sodom in the Valley of Shaveh. In verses 18-20, we are told, And Melchizedek the king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said, Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has handed over your enemies to you. And he gave him a tenth of everything. Melchizedek is the king of Salem (peace), which most Jewish scholars interpret as the location of Jerusalem before Israel occupied Caanan. So, Melchizedek is a king and priest in the location where Abraham will take Isaac to be sacrificed; where Jerusalem will be located; and where the Messiah will be crucified. It is also in the land that will become Judahs territory after Israel occupies Caanan. Melchizedek is described as holding the offices of both king and priest. This is a very unusual combination, and typically was prohibited under Mosaic Law. In fact, Saul was dethroned in part because he presumed to offer sacrifices in Samuels absence, illegally usurping the priestly role as the king of Israel. In Second Chronicles Chapter 26, King Uzziah becomes a leper after he usurps the priests role and burns incense in the temple. But the Messiah, according to Psalm 110, is a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek, and is also the ruler over Israel. So, like Melchizedek, he is both a king and a priest. But, since the Messiah must come from Judah and be born in Bethlehem, he cannot be from the tribe of Levi, and his priesthood is therefore illegal under Mosaic Law. But thats not a problem for you because you have quit trying to obtain righteousness under the Mosaic Law. In fact, lets say you have become aware that you can achieve righteousness in Gods eyes by faith, just as Abraham did in Genesis 15:6: Then he believed in the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness. The covenant of works has a priesthood, so maybe the covenant of faith also has a priesthood. As a matter of fact, it does, and it has a priesthood superior to the Levitical priesthood, as described in Hebrews Chapter 7. In contrasting the Levitical priests with Jesus, Hebrews 7:23 says, The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing; Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore, He is also able to save forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. As noted in Hebrews 7:12, When the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. When we quit trying to earn righteousness, we leave the law of works and turn to the law of grace. In so doing, we turn from a religious system that uses frail human priests to a system that has a perfect eternal priest who is always interceding on our behalf. Now, some theologians believe that Melchizedek was a Christophany, an appearance of Christ in the Old Testament. Heres how the Hebrews writer describes Melchizedek in Hebrews 7:3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually. If that description were literally true, then it would have to be referring to Jesus. But the Hebrew writer is attributing the complete lack of genealogy about Melchizedek as suggestive of an eternal nature. We dont see any of the typical language used of Melchizedek that we see in other Christophanies. For instance, no other Christophany identifies anyone by a proper name or being an office bearer in any earthly position. Also, we see no command to, for example, remove Abrams sandals because the ground is holy. But clearly, God intends us to note the complete lack of genealogy, especially in Psalm 110:4, as being instructive that the Messiah will have a priesthood that is eternal. So, when we think of Born in Bethlehem, we think of a precious infant, a manger, Joseph and Mary, and all the pageantry of Christmas. But to receive a forever priest from the Tribe of Judah, we must leave behind our love affair with salvation by our own works and receive the righteousness that comes only through faith. Romans 3:19-26 explains the procedural change: Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin. BUT NOW apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, but it is the righteousness of God THROUGH FAITH in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in Gods merciful restraint He let the sins previously committed go unpunished; for the demonstration, that is, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and THE JUSTIFIER OF THE ONE WHO HAS FAITH IN JESUS. Thats what Christmas is all about. Its the coming of the King and Priest who changes the Law and eternal future for all of us who will transition out of trying to save ourselves, and trust in the blood of Christ as our only righteousness. Amen and hallelujah forever!

The Gospel is simple: That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved. Romans 10:9 But God is extremely intelligent, and His message sometimes comes across as rather complicated. You will probably think that about this message. Just keep in mind the big picture: The Messiah is coming into the world, and everything, including the Mosiac Law and all the religious traditions, must yield to the new order. Micah 5:1-4 Now muster yourselves in troops, daughter of troops: they have laid siege against us; with a rod they will strike the judge of Israel on the cheek. But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His times of coming forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity. Therefore, He will give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth. Then the remainder of His kinsmen will return to the sons of Israel. And He will arise and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD His God. And they will remain, because at that time He will be great to the ends of the earth. And we see the fulfillment of this prophecy in Luke Chapter 2: Luke 2:8-11 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And so the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. The city of David. Sometimes we think of Jerusalem as the city of David, but David was not from Jerusalem. He conquered Jerusalem and drove out the Jebusites in 2 Samuel 5:6-8. If you recall from a previous sermon, thats where David developed the loathing for the blind and lame that figures so prominently in the meeting with Mephibosheth. The original city of David is Bethlehem (house of bread). As we saw recently, in Keiths sermon on Ruth, that story of how Boaz and Ruth unite is set in Bethlehem, and at the end of that book, we see the lineage traced down to David. Further evidence of Davids ties to Bethlehem occurs in I Samuel 20:27-29, where Jonathan tests his father Saul to see what his true intentions toward David are by stating that David was not present because he had to go to Bethlehem for a family gathering. To fulfill Scripture, God influences Caesar Augustus to issue a decree for a world-wide census, and all people must return to their birthplace. Joseph was betrothed to Mary at the time, and she was pregnant with the Messiah. Since he was from Bethlehem, he had to return there from Nazareth in Galilee. When Joseph and Mary arrive in Bethlehem, Marys time to deliver her baby arrives, and Jesus is born in Bethlehem, just as prophesied in Micah. Micah gives us an intriguing detail about this ruler from Bethlehem. His times of coming are from long ago, from the days of eternity. Now, how can a person who comes from Bethlehem come from eternity? Well, the answer is that the person must be eternal, and that has to be God. So, we have an eternal ruler of Israel who will be born in Bethlehem. This prophecy about the Messiah was well known in Jesus day. In Matthew 2:1-6, we see the chief priests and scribes correctly identify the location of the birth of the King of the Jews as Bethlehem, and they quote our passage from Micah 5. The first reference to a ruler from Judah (Bethlehem is in the province of Judah) is in Genesis 49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the rulers staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes. Another similar prophecy occurs in Numbers 24:17, spoken by Balaam: I see him, but not now; I look at him, but not near; a star shall appear from Jacob, a scepter shall rise from Israel, and shall smash the forehead of Moab, and overcome all the sons of Sheth. This prophecy does not mention Judah specifically, but mentions a scepter which will arise from Jacob, and of course Judah is one of Jacob (Israels) sons. All the verses we have looked at so far have focused on political and governmental power. But the Messiah is not just a King; He is also a Priest, but not a Levitical priest. What if, as a God-fearing person under the Mosaic Law, you became hopelessly frustrated with your own sinfulness and inability to obey the Law. Suppose you cried out to God for mercy because you knew that, according to the Mosaic Law, you stood condemned. And suddenly, God opened your eyes to another way to approach Him: Psalm 40:6-8 You have not desired sacrifice and meal offering; You have opened my ears; You have not required burnt offering and sin offering. Then I said, Behold, I have come; it is written of me in the scroll of the book. I delight to do Your will, my God; Your Law is within my heart. According to Numbers 3:9, Levites were the only permissible priests: So you shall assign the Levites to Aaron and to his sons; they are exclusively assigned to him from the sons of Israel. So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons that they may keep their priesthood, but the layman who comes near shall be put to death. But if you are no longer trying to approach God through the Law of Moses, you need another Priest outside the Levitical priesthood, because they only serve the Tabernacle. Fortunately, God provided us a Priest that fits our needs. To see this, we must turn to the Psalms. There are psalms known as Messianic Psalms which prophetically point to the ministry of the Messiah. Some of them are Psalm 2, 8, 16, 22 and 110. It is in Psalm 110 that we see the combined offices of King and Priest: Psalm 110:1-4 The LORD says to my Lord: Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet. The LORD will stretch out Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, Rule in the midst of Your enemies. Your people will volunteer freely on the day of Your power; in holy splendor, from the womb or the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew. The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. In this passage, we see the scepter of the ruler and the role of the priest, combined in this Person to whom the LORD (Yahweh) speaks, identified as Lord (Adonai). This Lord (Adonai) is both Ruler and Priest, but not a Levitical priest. Instead, He is identified as a priest according to the order of Melchizedek. If you were a Jewish scribe, this passage should have troubled you. How could the Ruler of Israel, the Messiah, be a priest if he came from Judah, rather than Levi? Very mysterious. Melchizedek is only mentioned one other place in the Old Testament. He shows up in Genesis 14. This is after Abram rescues his nephew Lot from Chedorlaomer king of Elam and three other kings with him. Abram had also reclaimed other persons who were captured as well as many of their possessions. He was indirectly helping the king of Sodom, since that is where Lot lived. Abram meets up with the king of Sodom in the Valley of Shaveh. In verses 18-20, we are told, And Melchizedek the king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said, Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has handed over your enemies to you. And he gave him a tenth of everything. Melchizedek is the king of Salem (peace), which most Jewish scholars interpret as the location of Jerusalem before Israel occupied Caanan. So, Melchizedek is a king and priest in the location where Abraham will take Isaac to be sacrificed; where Jerusalem will be located; and where the Messiah will be crucified. It is also in the land that will become Judahs territory after Israel occupies Caanan. Melchizedek is described as holding the offices of both king and priest. This is a very unusual combination, and typically was prohibited under Mosaic Law. In fact, Saul was dethroned in part because he presumed to offer sacrifices in Samuels absence, illegally usurping the priestly role as the king of Israel. In Second Chronicles Chapter 26, King Uzziah becomes a leper after he usurps the priests role and burns incense in the temple. But the Messiah, according to Psalm 110, is a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek, and is also the ruler over Israel. So, like Melchizedek, he is both a king and a priest. But, since the Messiah must come from Judah and be born in Bethlehem, he cannot be from the tribe of Levi, and his priesthood is therefore illegal under Mosaic Law. But thats not a problem for you because you have quit trying to obtain righteousness under the Mosaic Law. In fact, lets say you have become aware that you can achieve righteousness in Gods eyes by faith, just as Abraham did in Genesis 15:6: Then he believed in the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness. The covenant of works has a priesthood, so maybe the covenant of faith also has a priesthood. As a matter of fact, it does, and it has a priesthood superior to the Levitical priesthood, as described in Hebrews Chapter 7. In contrasting the Levitical priests with Jesus, Hebrews 7:23 says, The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing; Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore, He is also able to save forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. As noted in Hebrews 7:12, When the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. When we quit trying to earn righteousness, we leave the law of works and turn to the law of grace. In so doing, we turn from a religious system that uses frail human priests to a system that has a perfect eternal priest who is always interceding on our behalf. Now, some theologians believe that Melchizedek was a Christophany, an appearance of Christ in the Old Testament. Heres how the Hebrews writer describes Melchizedek in Hebrews 7:3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually. If that description were literally true, then it would have to be referring to Jesus. But the Hebrew writer is attributing the complete lack of genealogy about Melchizedek as suggestive of an eternal nature. We dont see any of the typical language used of Melchizedek that we see in other Christophanies. For instance, no other Christophany identifies anyone by a proper name or being an office bearer in any earthly position. Also, we see no command to, for example, remove Abrams sandals because the ground is holy. But clearly, God intends us to note the complete lack of genealogy, especially in Psalm 110:4, as being instructive that the Messiah will have a priesthood that is eternal. So, when we think of Born in Bethlehem, we think of a precious infant, a manger, Joseph and Mary, and all the pageantry of Christmas. But to receive a forever priest from the Tribe of Judah, we must leave behind our love affair with salvation by our own works and receive the righteousness that comes only through faith. Romans 3:19-26 explains the procedural change: Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin. BUT NOW apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, but it is the righteousness of God THROUGH FAITH in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in Gods merciful restraint He let the sins previously committed go unpunished; for the demonstration, that is, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and THE JUSTIFIER OF THE ONE WHO HAS FAITH IN JESUS. Thats what Christmas is all about. Its the coming of the King and Priest who changes the Law and eternal future for all of us who will transition out of trying to save ourselves, and trust in the blood of Christ as our only righteousness. Amen and hallelujah forever!

Pastor Scott Kimball teaches from Galatians 5. Paul was upset with the churches in Galatia, as they were turning back to keeping the Mosaic Law and needed to learn to walk with the Spirit.bfc4u.org, facebook.com/bfc4u

"Galatians 2–3 emphasizes justification by faith and not by works of the law. How would Paul's Jewish audience have heard that, and what does it mean for us who don't live under the Mosaic Law? In today's episode, Watermark Community Director Katie Shemanske talks with member Shaun Norwood about Galatians 1-3. Shaun introduces us to the book of Galatians by helping us understand the context of the book, the significance of the Jerusalem Council's decision on the writing of Galatians, and how we ought to view the Law in light of Christ. Check out Gather! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/single-adults To serve with Shaun in Frontlines, check out the opportunities here: https://www.watermark.org/search/serve?query=frontlines You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"

Patrick responds to real questions: marriage validity, conversion stories, suffering’s meaning, dispensations, and defining a cradle Catholic. Listeners hear stories about pressure at the altar, the power of Mass cards, spontaneous spiritual nudges, and the daily grind of faith. Flashes of biblical wisdom and practical advice ricochet through the episode, leaving room for both comfort and hard truths. Barbara – I heard a voice in adoration. How can I discern this and share it properly? (00:45) Sal - Can you define what cradle catholic is? (07:21) Liz - I think my marriage is invalid? Should we renew vows? (12:02) Jodi (email) – Is requesting a novena of Masses for a living priest acceptable? (19:32) John - How can I explain suffering to a loved one who is going through hard times? (22:10) Rose - Are arranged marriages valid? (29:43) Brad - Who gets a dispensation for missing mass? (37:55) Jarod - Acts 15:20 - How did the Apostles decide which Mosaic Law to follow? (45:32)

Part 2 Deuteronomy 27: "Curses and Blessings."  Join me today for Part 2 of  fascinating look into the origins of modern law!  You think 613 laws is too much, consider that today in America, we follow 43,000 LAWS!!!  ALL their origins come from Mosaic Law- ask any lawyer!  Come and see the origins of what you likely thought were "common sense!"  Part 2 Deuteronomy 27: "Curses and Blessings."

Dr. James Cassidy speaks at the Reformed Forum Annual Theology Conference, held at Lakeland Church in Gurnee, Illinois on September 27, 2025. The lecture, titled "The Seed of Abraham, Christ in the patriarchs and the promise" by Dr. James Cassidy, addresses the common theological perception that New Testament authors, particularly the Apostle Paul in Galatians 3, give a "surprise ending" to the Old Testament, seemingly reading it against its original intent. Dr. Cassidy argues against this view by showing that the Abrahamic Covenant is fundamentally a covenant of grace, centered on Christ as the singular "offspring" of promise. He explains that the promise is both individual (Christ himself) and collective (all those redeemed through him from every nation), a subtlety Paul rightly handles without misinterpreting Genesis. Crucially, the address highlights that the subsequent giving of the Mosaic Law 430 years later did not and could not annul the original promise of justification by faith, thereby maintaining the primacy and immutability of God's covenant of grace. Chapter Markers 00:00 - Introduction 00:23 - Greetings and Reading of Galatians 3:15–20 02:20 - The "Surprise Ending" View of the New Testament Reading the Old Testament 04:13 - Three Parts of the Address: Paul's Theology, Eschatology, and Primacy of the New Testament Reading 04:35 - Part 1: Paul's Theology of Abraham's Offspring (Galatians 3) 05:25 - Argument from the Lesser to the Greater: Human vs. Divine Covenants 07:13 - Paul's Interpretation: Offspring is Singular (Christ) and not Plural (Ethnic Israel) 08:24 - The Grammatical Ambiguity of "Offspring" (Collective and Individual) 11:12 - The Individual and Collective Scope of the Offspring (Christ and the Church) 11:35 - The Law's Function: It Did Not Annul the Promise to Abraham 13:30 - The True Seed of Abraham is Christ and Those In Him 14:13 - Part 2: The Eschatology of Abraham's Promise 15:35 - The Delay in Fulfillment: Hope Against Hope (Romans 4) 18:24 - Abraham as the Archetypal Believer and the Nature of Saving Faith 20:18 - The Promised Land and the City Whose Builder is God (Heavenly Fulfillment) 22:15 - Christ is the Mediator of the Abrahamic Covenant 23:43 - The Abrahamic Covenant's Fulfillment in the New Covenant 25:27 - **Part 3:** The Primacy of the New Testament's Reading of the Old 26:40 - Reading the Old Testament Through the Lens of Christ 28:13 - The New Testament is the Proper Hermeneutical Key to the Old 30:17 - Application: Gospel Living and World Missions 32:00 - Conclusion and The Blessings to All Nations 35:55 - Final Exhortation