Galatians 3:10-12 (HCSB)
For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written: Everyone who does not continue doing everything written in the book of the law is cursed. Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith. But the law is not based on faith; instead, the one who does these things will live by them.
The tone and structure of this chapter is remarkably different
from the preceding 12 chapters. Some think it was actually a “cover letter” for
the epistle, others think another human author wrote it. But what I think we
see here is the outworking of the new priesthood that has been established in
the earlier chapters. In this world, you can’t live without money. How much is
the question. In eternity, you can’t live without the love of God. How we
handle money reflects, in part, how we view God. This is immensely practical!
Here's my message, A Tale of Two Mountains. The Spirit makes clear: One cannot live with one foot on Sinai and the other on Zion.
Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.
If the encouragement is to look unto, to consider the Lord Jesus; the problem we have is focusing on something lesser.
The Bible makes clear that God is sovereign over all created
things, including time. As we close the Hall of Faith chapter, we will see a
summary of the trials that befell ancient saints. Each trial, each set-back was
part of God’s decree to provide a savior. We are to learn from this historical
account how to see such trials in our own lives; never to think of them as
“chance” or “bad luck” – all is from the hand of God, including the throw of
the dice - The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the
Lord (Prov. 16:33). We may not see the results determined by God, but we
need to be confident that our trust is in Him and not in the circumstance we
face.
Traditions seemingly based on
Scripture but not taught therein occupy and often dominate Christian thought
and practice. A previous book written by this editor[1]
examined many of these traditions; there are more that have entangled many over
the years.
Here's the message from Hebrews 11:17-29, the Testing of our Faith. May the Lord be glorified and His saints equipped. Forget the one speaking; focus on the One who is faithful.
