Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “salvation”
Rule #1: Leave Idols Behind: When the early church was born, God welcomed Gentiles alongside Jewish people into His family. But as the guests of a holy God, this privilege came with house rules. Beginning a new series on Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council’s requirements for the Gentiles who joined the church, we see God’s first crucial rule: Gentile …
“There is Neither Jew nor Greek” from Galatians 3:28: Because the apostle Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek” in Galatians 3:28, many people claim that Scripture ultimately renders Jewish identity obsolete today. But how can this be true when Paul immediately makes the same claim about men and women, whose distinct identities clearly still exist? We conclude our …
“Not All Those From Israel Are Israel” from Romans 9:6: In Romans 9:6, the apostle Paul used the phrase, “For they are not all Israel who are of Israel.” Some Christians believe Paul was redefining Israel, expanding the term to encompass all believers in Jesus, who constitute “spiritual Israel.” But Chris sets the record straight this week in part 3 …
“It is Not the Jew on Display” from Romans 2:28-29: When the apostle Paul defined “a Jew who is one inwardly,” did he mean that Christians—who are reconciled to God—are the true identity of Israel and the recipient of the nation’s covenant promises? Many believe so, but they are mistaken. Romans 2:28–29 is one of several passages that have been …
“The Israel of God” from Galatians 6:16: Reading the Bible in its context is crucial. When verses are cherry-picked and stripped of their context, the true meaning of God’s Word becomes lost. One of the most prominent examples of this issue in Scripture is the errant belief that the church has replaced Israel in God’s plans, promises, and affections. Many …
The Lord’s Prayer, Part 3: The Lord’s prayer is brief and seemingly simple at first glance. But as we dig deeper into Jesus’ model prayer for His disciples, we understand God’s intentions more clearly by uncovering the rich context that His listeners understood. Concluding our 3-part series on the Lord’s prayer, we consider the Year of Jubilee, a year of …
The Lord’s Prayer, Part 1: Many Christians can recite the Lord’s prayer from Matthew 6 by heart. But Jesus’ model for prayer meant much more to His Jewish listeners than we realize today. Chris begins a 3-week series on the Lord’s prayer by revealing the monumental implications it had specifically for Israel. Jesus came to Earth offering the Kingdom of …
How the New Covenant Impacts BelieversBecause its people chased after other gods, Israel became an unfaithful bride to God. But instead of settling for a broken relationship, in His mercy God promised a New Covenant, ultimately fulfilled by Jesus. Now all people have access to a personal relationship with Him! As we wrap up our three-part series on the New …
Jesus’ Blood Sealed the New CovenantJesus came to Earth to radically change the hearts of the Israelites and to bring forgiveness for the sins of the world. Because of Jesus’ blood, the New Covenant brings blessing to Israel and all who place their faith in Him for salvation. In part 2 of our three-week series on the New Covenant, we’re …
Historical Context of the New TestamentSurrender! That was the prophet Jeremiah’s message to the people of Judah. God was going to use Babylon to judge His people, and the Israelites’ disobedience meant nothing could stop the disaster to come. But in one of their darkest moments, God made a new promise to His people. This week we’ll begin our series …
