Righteousness from Inside-Out

Many people fail to understand the kind of righteousness God is looking for. God wants it written on our hearts—not just a set of dos and don'ts.

Repentance and Righteousness (Part 2)

Mechanically keeping the law is only the beginning of righteousness. By emphasizing principle, Christ came to magnify, not to destroy God's law.

More Righteous Than the Pharisees?

The Pharisees were in the office or seat of Moses. Jesus taught His followers to follow their words (pertaining to the Law of God), but not their personal examples.

Why We Tithe (Part 2)

God does not want basic compliance, but growth in godliness. Jesus encourages the Pharisees to emulate the generosity of God rather than stinginess.

Matthew (Part Ten)

Hitting the Mark

One definition of sin is 'missing the mark,' as hamartia denotes. Unless our righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, we have failed to reach our goal.

Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Three)

Though the Old and New Testament are complementary to one another, the emphasis of justice in the New Testament switches from national to personal in scope.

Are We Ever Good Enough?

It is necessary to begin with a conviction of sin in order to experience a need for Jesus Christ and to receive the joy in the forgiveness of sin.

Go the Extra Mile

The Sermon on the Mount contains a explanation of what it takes to be a Christian. Matthew 5:38-42 provides the principles behind the 'above and beyond' attitude.

The Law's Purpose and Intent

The effectiveness of a law is found in its purpose and intent rather than the letter. Love and mercy constitute the spiritual fulfillment of the Law.

Sin (Part One)

Though relatively neutral at its inception, human nature is subject to a deadly magnetic pull toward self-centeredness, deceit, and sin.

James and Unleavened Bread (Part Three)

James had to be written as a counterbalance to antinomian elements that twisted Paul's writings to proclaim that that grace nullifies the need for works.

Four Warnings (Part One): Enter By the Narrow Gate

We are admonished to seek the narrow, difficult gate rather than the wide gate and the broad, well-traveled easy way, representing Satan's reprobate teachings.

'But I Say to You' (Part One): The Spirit of the Law

Our righteousness must exceed the that of the Pharisees, keeping God's law in the spirit rather than in the letter, replacing the law of death with the law of life.

The Epistles of II and III John (Part One)

In our quest for unity, we can never compromise with the truth. True love between brethren is impossible without an equal pr greater love for the truth.

'But I Say to You' (Part Two): Murder and Anger

Murder originates in the heart. Nothing from the outside defiles a man but originates in the heart governed by carnal human nature.

Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 3)

God's holy law gives love its foundation, stability, and evenness, preventing it from degenerating into a sappy, sentimental feeling.

Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 1)

Love, justice, mercy, and fidelity (the weightier matters of the law) God desires more than meticulous, mechanical religiosity.

Seeking the King

It is common to focus on what the King gives and does, at the expense of what the King desires and requires, emphasizing God's grace over obligation.

Why We Do Not Vote

Christians have been called out of this world's politics, voting included. As ambassadors of Christ, we cannot participate in the politics of another country.

Producing Fruit

To be made clean only prepares us for producing fruit. If we stand still, simply resting on our justification, the dark forces will pull us backwards.

Philippians (Part Eight)

We must willing to yield to God's shaping of us, willing to be corrected and changed as He sees fit. If we become self-satisfied, He cannot work with us.