Lessons from the Adulteress
|
|
- Silvester Baker
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Lessons from the Adulteress Peter Ditzel In chapter 8 of his Gospel, John tells us about the incident of the woman the scribes and Pharisees caught in the act of adultery and brought to Jesus. Most people who have read John 8 likely remember that Jesus ended His encounter with the woman by telling her that He didn't condemn her, and, "Go your way. From now on, sin no more." We see forgiveness, but we also see a command to stop sinning. This leaves a question: Was Jesus' forgiveness dependent on the woman's obedience? The answer to this question teaches us much about the relationship between grace and works. What Moses Commanded The narrative begins with Jesus teaching the people in the Temple: "Now very early in the morning, he came again into the temple, and all the people came to him. He sat down, and taught them" (John 8:2). Then the scribes and Pharisees entered: "The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman taken in adultery. Having set her in the middle, they told him, 'Teacher, we found this woman in adultery, in the very act'" (verses 3 and 4). The scribes and Pharisees then say, "Moses commanded us to stone such. What then do you say about her?" (verse 5). This raises three questions. 1) How did this group of men happen to find this woman in the act of adultery? We have no way to answer this. 2) Why do they say that Moses commanded stoning as the punishment? Leviticus 20:10 is the command prescribing death for the sin of adultery. This verse doesn t spell out the method of execution. Jewish commentators say that when the mode of carrying out the death sentence isn't stated, the default is strangulation. Because the scribes and Pharisees say that Moses commanded us to stone such, we must assume that Deuteronomy 22:23-24 applies. These verses say that if a virgin was betrothed to a man and committed adultery, she and the man she sinned with were to be stoned to death. Thus, it is likely that this woman had been a betrothed virgin. 3) Where is the man? The Old Testament passages I've cited say that Copyright 2017 wordofhisgrace.org Permission is granted to reproduce this article only if reproduced in full with no alterations and keeping the copyright statement and this permission statement intact. Unless otherwise noted, Bible references are from the World English Bible (WEB). lessons-from-the-adulteress.pdf
2 both the man and the woman were to be executed. But the Pharisees, showing their nature not only as legalists but as hypocrites, apparently used their own double standard that violated the command of God (Matthew 15:9). They brought the woman, but they don't so much as mention the man. Their Motive John tells us plainly why the scribes and Pharisees brought the woman to Jesus: "They said this testing him, that they might have something to accuse him of" (John 8:6a). These villains wanted to charge Jesus with something. Like the question about taxes (Matthew 22:17ff), their bringing the woman to Jesus was designed to get Jesus in trouble whatever He answered. Who had the authority in occupied Palestine to pronounce and carry out capital punishment was an open question. The Jews sometimes executed people without Roman approval (e.g. Acts 7:58-59). When it was to their advantage, however, they deferred to Rome (see John 18:31). Because Jesus held no official position that the Romans would have recognized as giving Him authority, the Jews apparently believed that if Jesus pronounced a death sentence, they could have complained to the Romans and gotten Him in trouble. Another course the Pharisees no doubt considered Jesus might take would be to defer to the Roman authorities, in which case, they would accuse Him amongst themselves of being a collaborator. They might not have been able to punish Him for this, but it would have weakened His popularity with the people. Finally, the Pharisees believed it very possible that Jesus would speak against Moses and simply say to let the woman go. Then, they could accuse Him of teaching contrary to the Law and charge Him with heresy in the Sanhedrin. The scribes and Pharisees figured that, whatever Jesus' answered, they would have something of which they could accuse Him. They thought they had all the bases covered. But they didn't. Jesus First Ignores the Accusation "But Jesus stooped down, and wrote on the ground with his finger" (John 8:6b). People speculate over what Jesus wrote on the ground, but such speculation is worthless. The Bible doesn't say what Jesus wrote, and it also doesn't logically imply what it was. Since it is neither stated nor implied, God must not have intended that we know. In fact, 2
3 it may not have been anything. This took place in the Temple, and the floor of the Temple was stone. The important point is this: By writing or even doodling with His finger on the floor, Jesus was signaling to the Pharisees that He didn't want to hear their charge of sin against the woman. If you are ever tempted to tell God about someone else's sin, keep this in mind. He doesn't want to hear it. There is already an accuser, and we don't want to be like him (Revelation 12:10). Jesus Gives an Unexpected Answer Although Jesus continued to try to ignore them, the scribes and Pharisees persisted in asking. They eventually got an answer, but it wasn't what they wanted to hear. Jesus finally said, "He who is without sin amongst you, let him throw the first stone at her" (John 8:7). Jesus put the ball into the Pharisees' side of the court. He then immediately returned to writing on the ground (verse 8). This was not what the Pharisees expected. Now, the decision was up to them. Jesus had outwitted them. Nevertheless, I confess that the response of these normally stubborn hypocrites surprises me. The scribes and the Pharisees got the point of Jesus' message astonishingly well, and they behaved themselves. They were convicted in their consciences (John 8:9). Each of them realized that since he had sinned, he had no right to cast the first stone at the woman. Beginning with the eldest, each one of them left. Now, it should be obvious that believers shouldn't behave as the scribes and Pharisees and accuse others. Yet, I know that some Christians do exactly that. Even a cursory look through social media and television reveals people who claim to be Christians while pointing out the sins of others. Even more appalling is that, when this mistake is brought to their attention, unlike the Pharisees, they don't drop the accusations but self-righteously hold their positions. They don't seem to realize that "such were some of you, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). Every one of us is, of ourselves, a sinner, and, were it not for the grace of God, He would have every right to condemn us for our sins. What right do we have to accuse anyone else of sin? None! Out of love, Jesus came to Earth and was born a man to bring us forgiveness from our sins and freedom from the law that condemns. What an appalling tragedy that today, because of these hard-hearted and accusing hypocrites, the world associates Christianity with moralism and a condemning attitude. Remember, we have no more right to condemn sinners than those 3
4 Pharisees who brought that woman. We must not forget God's grace to us. We must refrain from having a condemning attitude toward others. Dependent Grace? So, the scribes and Pharisees left. Then, "Jesus, standing up, saw her and said, 'Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way. From now on, sin no more'" (John 8:10-11). Keep in mind that Jesus was the only human without sin. Jesus could have cast that first stone. Instead, he forgave the woman. Reading this, some say that Jesus didn't just freely forgive the woman. He told her to go and sin no more. God's grace, they say, is dependent on our moral actions, our repentance in action, our keeping the law. I'll cite just one example of this, but it is typical. It's in an article titled, "Go and Sin No More." After referencing the woman taken in adultery, the author writes, "In today's world, many are confused about the role the law of God plays in the life of a Christian. Oftentimes, people believe that once the blood of Christ's sacrifice cleanses them from sin (which it does 1 John 1:7) they are no longer subject to the law... Sins that are not repented of are not forgiven... Obedience is required of believers... Thinking that we are under no obligation to obey the law of God is one way to 'neglect' our salvation,... Yes, we are required to obey God's laws" ( Undeniably, Jesus did tell the woman to sin no more. But what Jesus said before that makes a world of difference to what He meant. Remember that, after all the Pharisees had left and Jesus was alone with the woman, He asked her, "Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?" (John 8:10). She answered Him, "No one, Lord" (verse 11a). As we've already discussed, no one condemned her because they realized they were all sinners. Then, "Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you'" (verse 11b). Jesus also did not condemn her. Jesus' motivation to not condemn her was not the same as that of the Pharisees. They didn't condemn because they were also sinners. Jesus had no sin. Jesus wanted to be merciful and gracious. He didn't want to condemn her. It was His sovereign will to forgive her. And here's the pivotal point that so many people fail to notice: Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery before He told her, "From now on, sin no more." 4
5 Jesus did not tell the woman to repent before He would forgive her. He did not say, I'll forgive you if you first promise to stop sinning. He did not say, My forgiveness will only last until you sin, and then you must again ask for forgiveness. As I've explained many times in the past, repentance is merely a change of mind. The commonly held picture of repentance being like someone walking along in sin and then turning the other way and going away from sin is Christian folklore, a myth. It would make salvation dependent on a work. The repentance associated with salvation might be described as an about face, but it is in our minds. Repentance itself is not an action or work. It is a change of mind God grants us (Acts 11:18) when we hear or read the Gospel that causes us to go from unbelief to belief. We change our mind from not trusting Jesus as our Savior to trusting Him. Certainly, this will result in a change in our behavior. But this change in behavior is only the result of the repentance that has already occurred in the mind We often hear that the life of believers is to be one of repentance. What can that mean? With the understanding that we now have, we can see that, since repentance is not a work, it cannot mean sorrowing over and turning from sin throughout our lives. It would be better to say that our lives should show that we have repented and now believe. Paul explained how he "declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance" (Acts 26:20). The order implied in what Paul says is that the Gospel is preached, the elect hearers change their minds from unbelief to belief ("repent and turn to God") and then, as a result, they do good works. The Bible clearly states, But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; for by grace you have been saved through 5
6 faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:4-10 When does this passage say that God made us alive together with Christ? When we were dead through our trespasses. He did not wait until we had first "danced the jig" of works and promises so many believe is repentance. He did not wait until we had promised to keep the law. He did not wait until after we had taken classes on the high cost of discipleship. He miraculously took us from spiritual death (and, thus, in total ignorance and unable to do any good works) to spiritual life entirely freely by grace through the free gift of the receiving instrument of faith. If it were any other way, if we had to do something first, we could boast. But we cannot. We are not our own workmanship. We are God's workmanship whom He has "created in Christ Jesus for good works," every one of which He prepared beforehand (proetoimazō "to prepare in advance") that we should walk in. The works are never a condition of grace. Grace is never dependent on them. They are the life that God has ordained that we will live once we are regenerate believers. Since we are God's workmanship, then the works are God's works that He is working through us. As Paul says in Philippians 2:13, "For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure." If the author of the article I cited earlier, and so many others like him, were right, then Paul could not unequivocally say that we are saved by grace. Likewise, he could not say that we have no reason to boast. Summary The account of the woman taken in adultery is a history lesson that shows us how the scribes and Pharisees tried to entrap Jesus and how Jesus got out of that trap. But it also teaches us a lesson. The lesson is that God's forgiveness comes first. God forgives us freely. He bases forgiveness on no action on our part. We don't have to first repent and believe. Belief is merely the instrument through which we receive the forgiveness that Jesus has already paid for on the Cross: "But God commends his own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). We did no good thing first that caused Him to die for us. We did not repent, believe, accept Him as Lord, or promise to be good before He took our sins on Himself and suffered in our place. 6
7 Not only was this the case when Christ died and when God made us alive in Him, but God will never ask us to repay Him. God justified us freely (Romans 3:24), and He gives us all things freely (8:32). All of God's elect will repent and believe and understand Jesus as both Lord and Savior (the Bible never presents Jesus' Lordship as separate from His being our Savior) and do the works that God has ordained. But none of this logically precedes Christ's death on the Cross by which God forgives, and it never obligates God. Yet, this is exactly the mistake so many make when they read the commands, Repent and be baptized, and, Repent and believe. They see that word "repent," and they think it implies a promise to stop sinning before God will forgive. Similarly, Jesus did not say, I'll forgive you if you'll accept my Lordship over you. Yet, there are countless preachers who think they are being perfectly Scriptural to teach that sinners must first accept Jesus as Lord before they are saved. Teachers who emphasize Jesus' telling the adulteress to go and sin no more over the fact that He first forgave her are turning a joyous, biblical example of gracious forgiveness into a dead moral tale. They are altogether missing the lesson. God forgave us first, just as He loved us first: "We love him, because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). You might still have this question: Was the woman still guilty under the Law of Moses? Under the Law of Moses, she was. But Jesus had the authority to forgive sins (Matthew 9:6). The Law of Moses could only condemn, but acting according to the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2), Jesus forgave her. He knew that he would take her sins to the Cross: "Who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed" (1 Peter 2:24). Further reading: "Are We Sanctified by Works or by Grace?" ( "What Is the Law of Christ?" ( 7
What Is Legalism? Peter Ditzel
What Is Legalism? Peter Ditzel To pluck the mask from the face of the Pharisee, is not to lift an impious hand to the Crown of Thorns. Charlotte Brontë, Preface to the Second Edition of Jane Eyre All one
More informationThe Two Powers: part 2
The Two Powers: part 2 Peter Ditzel Turning from the Power of Satan Before he encountered Christ, the very reason Paul hated and persecuted Christianity was because he understood its teachings. He knew
More informationWho Is the Good Samaritan?
The Parables of Jesus Who Is the Good Samaritan? Peter Ditzel We've all heard of the Parable of the Good Samaritan. And, we've all heard that through this parable, Jesus was teaching that we should show
More informationThe Cure for Discouragement
The Cure for Discouragement Peter Ditzel We've probably all experienced the discouragement that comes with self-recrimination. We do something wrong and then stew in feelings of guilt. "I'm so nasty,"
More informationWordofhisgrace.org Bible Q&A
Wordofhisgrace.org Bible Q&A Q. Does the Bible say I should refuse to serve or hire people in my business because of their sexual orientation? Are Religious Freedom Restoration Acts biblical? A. These
More informationThe Stones in Condemnation John 8:3-7. The text for this sermon, the theme of which is, The Stones in
Lenten Vespers 1 THEME: The Stones of Lent The Stones in Condemnation John 8:3-7 The text for this sermon, the theme of which is, The Stones in Condemnation, is John 8:3-7 The scribes and the Pharisees
More information"'Mister,' he said. 'I want to buy one of your puppies.'
Series: THE ADULTEROUS WOMAN JOHN 8 Text: Introduction: There was a farmer who had a litter of puppies. "He painted a sign advertising the pups and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard.
More informationA Study in Romans Study Five Romans 5:1-6:4
A Study in Romans Study Five Romans 5:1-6:4 Day One 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by
More informationOur Better Covenant. Peter Ditzel
Our Better Covenant Peter Ditzel The writer of Hebrews, after quoting from Jeremiah's announcement of the New Covenant that appears in Jeremiah 31, states, "In that he says, 'A new covenant,' he has made
More informationJUSTIFICATION BY WORKS VERSUS JUSTIFICATION BY GRACE
JUSTIFICATION BY WORKS VERSUS JUSTIFICATION BY GRACE INTRODUCTION FOR LESSON TWO We listed in the previous article 21 items the Bible says saves us! GOD saves us through His MERCY, GRACE, and LOVE. CHRIST
More informationJudge Not. Peter Ditzel
Part One of Two Judge Not Peter Ditzel Anyone who is somewhat familiar with Jesus' teachings knows that He told us not to judge. But the differences of opinion over what He meant by this, as well as the
More informationRighteousness is what is right. To be righteous means to do what is right, holy, and good. Righteousness is
Trinity 6 Matthew 5:17-26 Christ Fulfills All Righteousness Pastor James Preus Trinity Lutheran Church July 3, 2016 "For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees,
More informationDropping The Rock John 8:1-11
Dropping The Rock John 8:1-11 Open your Bible if you would to John Ch. 8, where we will be looking at the first 11 verses of this message I have titled, Dropping The Rock. Let s pick up v. 1 John 8:1 But
More informationGod s Boundary Stones Part 2 Glenn Smith, April 2013, Ahava B Shem Yeshua
1 God s Boundary Stones Part 2 Glenn Smith, April 2013, Ahava B Shem Yeshua Salvation is by Grace I talked about salvation by grace in my last message. This week s boundary stones are Sin, As It Is Defined
More informationJesus: The Sympathetic Savior John 8:1-11 Introduction There was this farmer who had some puppies for sale and while he was putting up his
Jesus: The Sympathetic Savior 4-8-2018 John 8:1-11 Introduction There was this farmer who had some puppies for sale and while he was putting up his sign He felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into
More informationWhat Must I Do to be Saved?
What Must I Do to be Saved? Introduction In my view, one of the most important theological questions, in all of Christianity, is as follows: What, exactly, do we need to do, in order to be saved? In other
More informationJOHN'S GOSPEL: JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD 28. "The Adulterous Woman" John 8:1-11
June 19, 2016 AM Pastor Ken Hepner JOHN'S GOSPEL: JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD 28. "The Adulterous Woman" John 8:1-11 Introduction: Today we are looking at a story in the Gospel of John that gives us a tremendous
More informationJesus' Commandments. GraspingGod.com: Bible Study Lesson #5.14
Jesus' Commandments GraspingGod.com: Bible Study Lesson #5.14 Jesus' Commandment Bible Verses: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also must love
More informationCHAPTER 8:1-11 MEDIA REFERENCE NUMBER SM-385 OCTOBER 06, 2000 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: THE THEME OF THE BOOK:
THE GOSPEL of JOHN CHAPTER 8:1-11 MEDIA REFERENCE NUMBER SM-385 OCTOBER 06, 2000 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: W h a t G o d S a y s A b o u t A d u l t e r y THE THEME OF THE BOOK: John 1:12 But as many as
More informationThe Bible Meets Life
The Point We deserve punishment, but God forgives. The Passage John 8:2-11 The Bible Meets Life When we see reports about crime and violence, we want justice to be served and punishment appropriately meted
More informationTHE NATURE OF GOD By Andrew Wommack
LEVEL 1 LESSON 5 By Andrew Wommack To have a positive relationship with the Lord, we must know His nature and His real character. Is He angry because of our sin, or is He a merciful God who wants to give
More informationBiblical Advanced Basics Understanding the Bible and End Times. Part 1. Simple As Can Be by Cornelius R. Stam Used by permission.
Part 1 Simple As Can Be by Cornelius R. Stam Used by permission. 1 Yes, the plan of salvation is simple if the Scriptures are rightly divided. Otherwise it is far from simple. Hence the grave responsibility
More informationGrace and the Law, Part 1
1 Introduction For two thousands years people have been arguing about grace and the law. From the time of the beginning of the church in Jerusalem until modern times, there have been people who have said
More informationThinking About Discipleship
Thinking About Discipleship 1 Thinking About Discipleship By Mark McGee In its simplest form, discipleship is the following of any teacher or school of thought. The word disciple in the Scriptures has
More informationIn Search of the Lord's Way. "Do Works Matter?"
"Do Works Matter?" If we re saved by grace and not by works, does it matter how we live? Hello, I m Phil Sanders, and this is a Bible study In Search of the Lord s Way. Does God take notice of our behavior
More information!"#$%&'()"# *+""&,-.%/# 0+'#12%'&(#3%4
!"#$%&'()"# *+""&,-.%/# 0+'#12%'&(#3%4 A72)&:5/@?/:&0BCD6
More informationTHE LAW Christians Fulfilling the Law In Christ Date 4/3/11 WBCFWB
THE LAW Christians Fulfilling the Law In Christ Date 4/3/11 WBCFWB Text: Matt. 5:17-20 Introduction: (5:17-20) Jesus Christ was accused of destroying the law of God. He has always been accused of minimizing
More informationLesson #9: The Doctrine of Predestination
Lesson #9: The Doctrine of Predestination What is the doctrine of Predestination and Unconditional Election? (Instead of trying to explain the doctrine of predestination to you, I am going to let someone
More informationMonth Seven: Conversions and Non-Conversions
Month Seven: Conversions and Non-Conversions Introduction: Conversion A. Repentance and conversion are similar words. Repentance is a change of heart that leads to a change in lifestyle. Conversion refers
More informationMessage Notes No Stones Allowed Part One
Loving God! Loving People! Loving Life! Message Notes No Stones Allowed Part One Life Church Smyrna Sunday, September 3, 2017 10:30am Pastor Shell Osbon John 8:1-5 1 Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
More informationTHE PROPER USE OF GOD S LAW
LEVEL 3 LESSON 8 By Don Krow One day Joe and I were talking to Bill and Steve at the lake. The question was brought up, How could people possibly be held accountable before God who have never heard of
More informationHow Sin is Overcome (Part 1): Romans 6
How Sin is Overcome (Part 1): Romans 6 Ever tried to overcome sin by using will power or determination? If we rely on our own strength, we will never be free from bondage--no matter how hard we try. If
More informationFive steps to spiritual progress and growth
Five steps to spiritual progress and growth Romans 6:1-14 (NKJV) 1) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2) Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer
More informationFREED BY GOD S FORGIVENESS
GET INTO THE STUDY 10 minutes GUIDE: Direct the group to look at the picture (PSG, p. 22). DISCUSS: Question #1 (PSG, p. 22): What was the funniest time you were caught red-handed? GUIDE: Review The Bible
More informationWordofhisgrace.org Bible Q&A
Wordofhisgrace.org Bible Q&A Q. Since you have been diagnosed with cancer, do you have anything new to add to your views on healing? A. In 2014, I wrote an article called, "Does God Promise Healing Today?"
More informationInternational Bible Lesson Commentary Romans 2:17-29
International Bible Lessons Commentary Romans 2:17-29 New Revised Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, July 3, 2016 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School
More informationIn Judging Others, We Judge Ourselves (Romans 2)
In Judging Others, We Judge Ourselves (Romans 2) In around A. D. 57, from the city of Corinth in Greece, the apostle Paul wrote the letter to all who are in Rome to both Jewish and non-jewish Christians
More informationGreat Authority Hebrews 1:1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days
Great Authority Hebrews 1:1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir
More information-OLOGY SOTERIOLOGY July 17 th, 2016 VIDEO: -OLOGY INTRO SLIDE 1
VIDEO: -OLOGY INTRO SLIDE 1 -OLOGY SOTERIOLOGY July 17 th, 2016 INTRODUCTION Good Morning! Welcome to Fox Valley Christian Church! - Online Giving YouVersion Live and www.fvcc.com/give Salvation is more
More informationCan Man Become God? Peter Ditzel
Can Man Become God? Peter Ditzel The Bible teaches that our relationship to God is one of sons born to their Father (see "The Sons of God") (http://www.wordofhisgrace.org/sonship.htm). This fact raises
More informationWordofhisgrace.org Bible
Wordofhisgrace.org Bible Q&A ible Q. Why did Jesus tell the rich, young ruler to keep the commandments to be saved? A. The question is based on Jesus' statement at the end of Matthew 19:17, where Jesus
More informationObedience A closer look at temptation, sin, repentance and forgiveness...
Obedience A closer look at temptation, sin, repentance and forgiveness... Speak Talk about what you think Think of the word obedience. Does it seem like a negative or positive word to you? Why or why not?
More informationTHE ETERNAL SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER The Scriptural Reasons Why Every Christian Is Secure Eternally (Written for teachers) By Pastor Arthur L.
THE ETERNAL SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER The Scriptural Reasons Why Every Christian Is Secure Eternally (Written for teachers) By Pastor Arthur L. Watkins Eternal security simply means "once saved always saved".
More informationIs "Lordship Salvation" Biblical?
From TeachingtheWord's Bible Knowledgebase Salvation: Sin & Repentance Is "Lordship Salvation" Biblical? by Dr. Paul M. Elliott "Lordship salvation" says that you must "take up your cross" in order to
More informationLevel 3 Lesson 8. THE PROPER USE OF GOD S LAW By Don Krow
Level 3 Lesson 8 THE PROPER USE OF GOD S LAW By Don Krow One day Joe and I were talking to Bill and Steve at the lake. The question was brought up, How could people possibly be held accountable before
More informationWordofhisgrace.org Bible Q&A
Wordofhisgrace.org Bible Q&A Q. Has God reconciled all things to Himself or is He still wrathful? John 3:36 says that the wrath of God remains on the disobedient, but Colossians 1:20 says that God has
More informationForgiving Self and Others. By Patti Soileau
Forgiving Self and Others By Patti Soileau The Goals of Forgiveness Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you. There was a
More informationThe Story Caught In A Trap We continue our year long series looking at the unfolding story of Redemption. This morning I want to look at his life
The Story Caught In A Trap We continue our year long series looking at the unfolding story of Redemption. This morning I want to look at his life changing encounter with a woman who was caught in a trap.
More informationWater Baptism. God commands all believers to be water baptised. Faith, repentance and water baptism
Water Baptism God commands all believers to be water baptised In Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38, God instructs all humans who are believers and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ to be water baptised.
More informationWEEK 3 IMPUTATION OF SIN AND RIGHTEOUSNESS ROMANS 3:21-4:25
1 WEEK 3 IMPUTATION OF SIN AND RIGHTEOUSNESS Justification: a legal sentence or declaration issued by God in which He pronounces the person in question free from any fault or guilt and acceptable in His
More informationInternational Bible Lessons Commentary Romans 2:17-29
International Bible Lessons Commentary Romans 2:17-29 King James Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, July 3, 2016 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons
More informationTHE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM
THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM (by George Battey) This present study revolves around the purpose of baptism. The issues discussed here are not: How baptism is to be performed? (sprinkle / immerse) Who should be
More informationFlashbulb Memory
Flashbulb Memory WHAT S THE READING ON YOUR COMPASSION METER NOW? Lamentations 3:21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Lamentations 3:22 Because of the Lord s great love we are
More informationThe Church saints and forgiven sinners
The Church saints and forgiven sinners There are people in the church who have been guilty of every sin known to mankind adultery, fornication, wife abuse, child molestation, robbery, murder, drug addicts,
More informationGrace Family Church, Newtown, CT, Pastors Barry & Sheila Fredericks WAKE /FUNERAL SERVICE. Date: 1. Condolences sad about ; honored to share truth
Grace Family Church, Newtown, CT, Pastors Barry & Sheila Fredericks WAKE /FUNERAL SERVICE Date: 1. Condolences sad about ; honored to share truth I Thessalonians 4:13 And now, brothers and sisters, I want
More informationIs Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation? Many would say No! Requiring anything in addition to faith in Jesus Christ for salvation is a works-based salvation. To add anything to the gospel is to say that Jesus'
More informationRecognizing the Voice of God
Recognizing the Voice of God I John 4:1 We're continuing in our series on Hearing From God. Last week we talked about some ways you can hear God speak. One of the ways is God gives us impressions in our
More informationSermon : Paul A Saved Instrument Page 1
Sermon : Paul A Saved Instrument Page 1 Paul A Saved Instrument Text : Acts 22: 1-16 ( cf. 9: 1-19 ) S#1. A. Saul of Tarsus was a remarkable person even before he became a Christian. S#2. 1. He described
More informationGreat Commission Fulfilled
Great Commission Fulfilled Believer s Baptism Mark 16:16 Believe + baptism Col. 2:12-14 baptized, raised by faith Acts 8:12 when believed - baptized Acts 8:13 believed and was baptized Act 8:36-40 What
More informationConscience Without Offense, Part 1
1 Introduction Conscience Without Offense, Part 1 When Paul gave his defense in front of the governor Felix in Caesarea, one of the things he told him was: I have hope in God, which they themselves also
More informationGuilt, Gloating, and Grace. John 8: 1-11
Guilt, Gloating, and Grace John 8: 1-11 Intro: A great English prince went to visit a famous king of Spain. The prince was taken down to the galleys to see the men who were chained to the oars and doomed
More informationFAITH. And HEARING JESUS. Robert Lyte Holy Spirit Teachings
FAITH And HEARING JESUS Robert Lyte Holy Spirit Teachings Introduction I am here because Jesus brought me out of the broad path to destruction. And it is this broad path most people are on. You want to
More informationHelping Our Children Present Jesus as the Son of God Part 2
Helping Our Children Present Jesus as the Son of God Part 2 Growing Godly Family Series Manual 27 By Duane L. Anderson Helping our Children Present Jesus as the Son of God Part 2 Growing Godly Families
More informationJesus: The God Who Forgives. John 8:1-20
Scripture Focus John 8:1-20 Jesus: The God Who Forgives John 8:1-20 Key Verse John 8:14 TDM Competency Live Biblically: Understand and apply biblical principles to all areas of life. Jesus commands the
More informationFORGIVENESS--PART 1: FORGIVENESS OF OTHERS
LAY MEDITATION FORGIVENESS--PART 1: FORGIVENESS OF OTHERS NOTE: All three forgiveness meditations should be given by the same lay person. In the skit you just saw the king forgave the servant for everything
More informationThe Necessity to be Born Again The Life of Jesus John 3:1 4 (NIV)
Thesis: No one can enter the Kingdom of Heaven without being born again. Objectives: I. Jesus recognized having come from God II. The Kingdom of God are for those who are born again III. What does it take
More informationWhy Jesus was so effective
Why Jesus was so effective By Ross Callaghan http://rosscallaghan.yolasite.com Jesus said that we would do the same things that He did, and that we would do even greater things! I tell you the truth, anyone
More informationQuestions. Facilitator Notes for Set Free! A Study in Romans Lesson 5 Now for the Good News... Romans 3:9-31
Facilitator Notes for Set Free! A Study in Romans Lesson 5 Now for the Good News... Romans 3:9-31 Questions Read Romans 3: 9-20. PLEASE DON'T READ THESE NOTES UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR LESSON. HEARING
More informationAssociated Gospel Churches - Articles of Faith and Doctrine
Associated Gospel Churches - Articles of Faith and Doctrine Salvation by Grace through Faith January 1, 2006 VII. Salvation by Grace through Faith We believe that sinners are saved by grace through faith
More informationCopyright kjbscc 2004 Simple Regeneration Lesson 3 07/22/ :14 PM
REGENERATION Lesson 3 return pages 6, 7 & 8 1 I. How important is the Doctrine of Regeneration? The doctrine of regeneration is very important because there is so much false teaching that is contrary to
More informationContents. Course Directions 4. Outline of Romans 7. Outline of Lessons 8. Lessons Recommended Reading 156
Contents Course Directions 4 Outline of Romans 7 Outline of Lessons 8 Lessons 1-12 11 Recommended Reading 156 Questions for Review and Final Test 157 Form for Assignment Record 169 Form for Requesting
More informationg reat Biblical Baptism teachings of the Bible
g reat teachings of the Bible Biblical Baptism One of the great topics of the New Testament is baptism. The word baptism, including its various forms, is mentioned over one hundred times in the New Testament.
More informationFirst Calvary Baptist Church Statement of Faith
First Calvary Baptist Church Statement of Faith I. Scripture a. We believe the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine
More informationFreedom in Christ Knowing When and How to Confront Sin
Freedom in Christ Knowing When and How to Confront Sin In the last lesson we discussed the dangers of falling into legalism and how we as a church or as individuals are not to decide what someone else
More informationThe Complicated Background
The Complicated Background The Complicated Background The Biblical Text Then each went to his own home. JOHN 7:53 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. JOHN 8:1 At dawn He appeared again in the temple
More informationWe cease judging others. If anyone could judge, God could but He doesn t judge anyone since Christ died and paid the penalty for all sin.
How Does Grace Live? The Gift of No Condemnation By B. D. Tate We cease judging! We stand in the liberty of forgiveness in the position of righteousness in Christ and then we move to operate in the gift
More informationThe Purpose of The Law
The Purpose of The Law Our New Testament reading (1 Timothy 1) for today brings our attention to a particular feature of the Law of Moses, which, perhaps, we don t often consider: we know that the Law
More informationDON T EVER FORGET WHO YOU ARE AND WHOSE YOU ARE!
Sermon #1728 Miscellaneous Notes Title: Text: Titus 2:1-15 Date: Friday Evening January 25, 2008 Rescue Baptist Church Rescue, CA Subject: Free Grace Promotes Good Works Introduction: Once our daughter,
More informationDoctrine of Baptism and Mark 16:16
1 Doctrine of Baptism and Mark 16:16 1. While baptism is important, care must be taken not to embrace the idea that baptism is essential for salvation. Such a belief is called baptismal regeneration. 2.
More informationBecoming an Overcomer 1 John 5:1-5
Becoming an Overcomer 1 John 5:1-5 Over the past 2000 years, followers of Jesus have been called by many different names. For instance... The most common word for those committed to Jesus was DISCIPLE...
More informationTHE LAW AND THE CHRISTIAN
THE LAW AND THE CHRISTIAN One of the main purposes of the law was to reveal sin, to show exactly what sin is (Rom. 3:19-20; 5:20; 7:7). The Apostle Paul became aware of his sinful condition by looking
More informationInternational Bible Lessons Commentary
International Bible Lessons Commentary Romans 5:1-11 King James Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, July 24, 2016 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons
More informationTHE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (JOHN 8-9)
Name Page 49 Lesson 6 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (JOHN 8-9) Jesus Christ is "the of the world" (John 8: 12). As we learned in John 3:19-21, there are those who hate the Light and there are those who come to
More informationUnderstanding Romans 7
Understanding Romans 7 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. (Romans 7:19) The aim of this article There is a widespread opinion that Paul, in the seventh
More informationExalting Jesus Christ
16 Exalting Jesus Christ 1 Exalting Jesus Christ "Letters in the Sand" INTRODUCTION: I. In the Garden of Eden, God not only placed the first man and woman whom He had created, He also instituted the marriage
More informationThe Real. Jesus. A study through the Gospel of Luke. BOOK 6: His preparation
The Real Jesus A study through the Gospel of Luke BOOK 6: His preparation 3 T h e R e a l J e s u s 4 T h e R e a l J e s u s BECOMING A CHRISTIAN In the Bible, God reveals His truth about how to have
More informationJESUS IS ENOUGH His grace is enough. Shofar Tableview 27 th January 2019
JESUS IS ENOUGH His grace is enough Shofar Tableview 27 th January 2019 God s grace is enough 9 And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians
More informationGod s Plan of Salvation
God s Plan of Salvation The Bible calls all believers to be in a lifelong pursuit of increasing in knowledge and love of the LORD and His people. Philippians 1:9-11 And this is my prayer: that your love
More informationThe Five Solas of the Reformation by Prof. David J. Engelsma
The Five Solas of the Reformation by Prof. David J. Engelsma Speech #3 The Place of Good Works in Our Salvation (Speech given on December 30, 2014) Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10 For we are his workmanship,
More informationHOLY SCRIPTURE...John 8:1-11, KJV esus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again
Pastor Gregory P. Fryer Immanuel Lutheran Church, New York, NY 3/13/2013, Midweek Lent 4 John 8:1-11, The Woman Caught in Adultery PRAYER OF THE DAY (Lent 4) P God of all mercy, by your power to heal and
More informationFAMILY COMMUNITY CHURCH ASSOCIATION STATEMENT OF FAITH MESSAGE
FAMILY COMMUNITY CHURCH ASSOCIATION STATEMENT OF FAITH MESSAGE I. The Scriptures The Holy Bible was written by men who were divinely influenced. The Holy Bible is God's explaining Himself to man. It is
More informationLesson 9: Water Baptism
Lesson 9: Water Baptism I. In this lesson, we shall examine what the Bible teaches about baptism A. Our focus will be on the water baptisms recorded in the New Testament B. The first accounts of baptism
More informationRomans The Root Of True Worship Is Holy Behavior November 15, 2015
Romans The Root Of True Worship Is Holy Behavior November 15, 2015 I. Holy Behavior Is Necessary For True Worship A. We have worked our way through the first 11 chapters of Romans, and as I said last Sunday,
More informationThrough Faith (Romans 4)
Through Faith (Romans 4) In Romans chapter 3, Paul ended the chapter by asking if we can now boast of our relationship and right standing with God. Paul replies that we cannot boast in ourselves because
More informationFour C's for Evangelism
Four C's for Evangelism Copyright 1994 Duane L. Anderson American Indian Bible Institute Box 511 Norwalk, California 90651-0511 www.aibi.org Four C's for Evangelism Introduction: The Preparation of Disciples
More informationOut of Darkness Into Light
Module 9: Forgiving and Accepting Yourself Out of Darkness Into Light Wholeness Prayer Basic Modules Module 9 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32) 2014, 2007, 2005,
More informationIntroduction. Jesus Parable of The Pharisee and The Tax Collector. Introduction. Introduction. Jesus Parable of The Pharisee and The Tax Collector
Jesus Parable of The Pharisee and The Tax Collector We must humbly trust in the grace of God rather than our own perceived perfect obedience Introduction A parable is an earthly story designed to teach
More informationII. MANIFESTATIONS OF CHRIST S POWER IN PUBLIC MINISTRY John 8 A. THE INCIDENT OF THE WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY (8:1-11)
II. MANIFESTATIONS OF CHRIST S POWER IN PUBLIC MINISTRY John 8 A. THE INCIDENT OF THE WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY (8:1-11) 1. This incident took place the next day after the Feast of Tabernacles was over.
More informationThe Mistakes of Naaman
Introduction 2 Kings 5:1-14 The Mistakes of Naaman 1. Paul writes in Romans 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning." A. Certainly this is true in the case of Naaman.
More informationThe Lord of the Sabbath February 21, 2016 Mark 2:23 3:6
I. Introduction The Lord of the Sabbath February 21, 2016 Mark 2:23 3:6 The Sabbath was prized by the Jews as a sacred institution. The word Sabbath is derived from the Hebrew word shabbat which means
More information