The Weightier Matters (Part 1): Introduction

Jesus blasts the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23, telling them they ignore the 'weightier matters.' We must focus on certain virtues as we keep 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.

Matthew (Part Twenty)

The Weightier Matters (Part 4) : Faith and Fidelity

Faith and fidelity to God and His way of life should be a major part of our character. Here is what faith and fidelity are, how to recognize a lack of them.

Kosher Pork

Rabbi Cherlow thinks a pig is unclean because of its 'faulty' digestive system and that laboratory-produced meat does not fall under God's proscription.

Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 5)

The Acts 15 decision did not do away with God's law, but solved the question of circumcision and the misconception that it was a recipe for salvation.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Five)

In Galatians, Paul took issue with the Halakhah, not God's word. Halakhah was a massive collection of human opinion that placed a yoke on its followers.

The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Man With Dropsy

Jesus deliberately heals a man with dropsy on the Sabbath. He was teaching the people an unmistakable lesson about the purpose of the Sabbath day.

The Pharisees (Part 1)

Having their origin in the days of Ezra, the Scribes and Pharisees were extremely zealous for the law, separating themselves for this exclusive purpose.

'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.

Doorway to the Kingdom

Any time we feel prompted to exalt ourselves, we demonstrate Satan's spirit of pride, thereby jeopardizing our entry into God's family.

The Bible Does Not Have All the Answers!

While the Bible does not contain all knowledge, it does contain foundational principles, enabling people to live in a godly, spiritual manner.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Four)

The days, months, and times of Galatians 4:10 do not refer to God's Holy Days (which are not weak or beggarly), but to pagan rites the Galatians came out of.

The Merciful

The harsh religion of the Pharisees was unfeeling, placing more attention on rituals and man-made laws, and had turned their super-righteousness into sin.

The Weightier Matters (Part 3): Mercy

Many have a love-hate relationship with mercy: They love to receive it, but hate to give it! Here is why we should lean toward mercy in all our judgments.

Hypocrisy: The Last Sin of America

Having its roots in a Greek word denoting 'actor', hypocrisy suggests pretending or deceiving—a filthy inside disguised by a clean outside.

The Intertestamental Period

The Intertestamental Period spans approximately 400 years from Malachi to the appearance of John the Baptist, creating the environment for Christ's ministry.

Lamentations (Part Seven)

The people suffering under the Babylonians had basked in the privilege of being God's chosen people while also trashing the terms of the Covenant.

Elements of Judgment (Part Four)

We need to learn to judge in a godly manner, putting merciful restraints on our tendency to condemn or jump to conclusions. One size does not fit all.

What's Wrong With Works?

Accepting the blood of Christ has a cost. If we are to uphold the terms of the covenant, we must give up the sinful life we led in the flesh and obey God.

Politics and Christ's Return

Because we are set apart by God, we are not to become involved in the world's political, judicial, or military systems. Our term in office has yet to begin.