INTRODUCTION In the Christian faith, particular events, schedules, persons and conversations matter. They matter because we are talking about God’s intervention in history. The gospel is not a detached and abstracted affair—a set of timeless truths in the heavenlies. Particularity matters a great deal. THE TEXT: Then fourteen years after I went up again to …
Galatians 5
INTRODUCTION Paul now gives a detailed account of his trips to Jerusalem. This was not important in itself, but it had become important because of the false accusations that had been leveled at him. THE TEXT: But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To …
Galatians 4
INTRODUCTION We have all heard about the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. But what exactly was he converted from? The answer to this question is highly significant, and we need to get it right if we are to understand the rest of this epistle. THE TEXT: For ye have heard of my …
Galatians 3
INTRODUCTION We now come to one of the great claims made in this epistle. The gospel is divine, not man-made, and this truth involves much more than might be assumed at first glance. THE TEXT: But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither …
Galatians 2
INTRODUCTION After a brief introduction and greetings, Paul raises the issue that is troubling him, and that is the fact that someone is troubling the Galatians. Not only this, but they are not being troubled on some secondary issue. The gospel itself is at stake. THE TEXT: I marvel that ye are so soon removed …
Galatians 1
INTRODUCTION This Lord’s Day we are commemorating the beginning of the great Reformation of the 16th century. It is fitting, therefore, that we take this opportunity to begin our study of the book of Galatians, that great charter of Christian freedom. We need to stand fast in the liberty Christ brought to us, and we …
The Rod of Iron/Psalm 2
In this psalm we have a wonderful prophecy of the reign of Messiah the Prince. The prophecy does not concern the reign of God in His sovereignty, which is the necessary result of the Creator’s relationship with the world He created, but rather a reign that results from His sovereign decree—the mediatorial reign of the …
Blessednesses/Psalm 1
In many ways, this first psalm is a preface to all the psalms. In the space of a few short verses, we have the entire compass of righteous and unrighteous living set before us. Not every word is spoken, but the fundamental issues of life are all here. “Blessed is the man that walketh not …
Not Cantankerous
GRACE & PEACE “At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16:11). Controversy, Part 18 Paul teaches us that we should be at peace with all men, so long as it is possible with us (Rom. 12:18). In other words, we ought not to be cantankerous, belligerent, and always ready for a quarrel. …
Civil Court
GRACE & PEACE “At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16:11). Controversy, Part 17 In our litigious society, it is hard to keep conflict within the Church from spilling over into the civil realm. In some cases, it may be impossible. How are we to understand this? What are we to do? …