Even when we face sickness and death, God is aware of our plight, and if we maintain godly faith, we are safely in his hands. In this sermon, Rod Reynolds explains what the Bible says concerning death – what death is and what is the hope that lies beyond the grave for all human beings.
Category: New Sermons
New Covenant Law
It’s commonly taught among professing Christian churches that some or all of the commandments of God, especially the ten commandments given from Mt. Sinai, are not applicable to Christians. Christ, we are told, has “replaced the law,” including the ten commandments, thus they are no longer obligatory for Christians.
An example of this general idea is found in how the Jamieson Fausset Brown Bible Commentary interprets the meaning of Colossians 2:14: “The law (including especially the moral law, wherein lay the chief difficulty in obeying) is abrogated to the believer….” “The ‘handwriting’ (alluding to the Decalogue [i.e., the ten commandments])….” “Not only was the law against us by its demands, but also an adversary to us by its accusations.” “In His person nailed to the cross, the law itself was nailed to it.” For an explanation of what Colossians 2 actually teaches see our article: “Were the Commandments ‘Nailed to the Cross’?”
It is easy to be deceived about what the Bible teaches, and in fact, most people, including most people who call themselves Christians, as well as Jewish people who claim to follow the teachings of the “Old Testament,” are deceived about much of what is taught in the Bible. It’s much more difficult to find and hold to the truth of what is taught in Scripture. Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). The “god of this age [or world, KJV]” is Satan, and he “deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9).
God Is Gracious
There are many ways in which God’s grace is revealed and demonstrated throughout the Bible, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. Unfortunately, the idea of “grace” has often been perverted and misrepresented by false teachings, implying that there is a conflict between the concept of God’s grace and that of obedience to his commandments.
One reason that some turn aside from God is that they don’t really believe that God is gracious. Some believe in God just enough to have a morbid fear of what might happen to them, but they don’t have enough faith to really believe that God can or will forgive their sins and save them from death. The Old Covenant God made with Israel at Mt. Sinai was predicated on grace, as shown in Exodus 34:5-7. But God in his love and mercy also is a just God, and in his mercy and love for mankind he requires obedience to his laws which are given to us for our benefit. In God mercy, grace, longsuffering, and truth are united with holiness and justice. Like the Old Covenant, the New Covenant is also predicated upon grace, and it is through grace that we are ultimately saved (Acts 15:11; Romans 6:23; II Timothy 1:9).
God knows our frame, our weaknesses and our inherent sinfulness, but he is always ready to pardon us upon repentance, and his plan is not a plan of destruction for mankind but one of salvation. In this message, I point out some ways in which God’s grace towards all mankind, including you and me, is demonstrated. And also, specific things you can do to enjoy the fullness of God’s grace.
Did Jesus Break the Sabbath?
It’s been asserted that Jesus broke the Sabbath, and hence we are free to disregard it as well. But did Jesus break the Sabbath?
The basis for the idea that Jesus broke the Sabbath is the accusations made by Jesus’ enemies among the Pharisees and scribes. Because Jesus performed miracles of healing on the Sabbath, and did not honor their man made rules regarding Sabbath observance, the Pharisees accused him of breaking the Sabbath. But did he in fact, break the Sabbath?
Rod Reynolds discusses this question and its implications in this message. Continue reading
Jesus and James
While most people who have an interest in the subject, even if they are not nor claim to be converts to Christianity, believe that Jesus Christ actually existed as a human being in the early first century (A.D.), some few claim otherwise. Yet, there’s much evidence, even from various extra-biblical sources attesting to his existence and certain facts relating to what is recorded in Scripture about him.
Our faith in Christ rests primarily on the Bible, which we believe to be the word of God. But it is of interest what we can learn from other historical records, not only about Jesus, but others associated with him, particularly his half-brother, James.
This message, “Jesus and James,” relates information about what some historical records outside of the Bible tell us about Jesus, his disciples, and how they were viewed and treated by the world in the early years of the Christian era. Also, closely related is information concerning especially James, who became a prominent leader in the early Church, and who was eventually martyred.
Interestingly, among the available evidence regarding Jesus and James is an ossuary box recently discovered believed to have been used to entomb the bones of James. It’s hoped you will find the facts presented in this message interesting and edifying.