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The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the context of the broader discussion on the challenges faced by Paul in Galatians, the concept of the Oral Law, known as halakha, emerges as a central issue. Halakha represents the Jewish way of life, encompassing traditions and interpretations that were not derived from God's law but from human additions. This oral tradition, which Paul refers to as the traditions of his fathers, became the focal point of contention in Galatians, distinct from the law of God. The Jews, driven by a zeal for God but lacking true knowledge, established their own righteousness through halakha, believing it to be the law of Moses. They viewed this law-keeping as their means of election with God, assuming that possessing and adhering to halakha motivated God to choose them. This perspective circumvented God's sovereignty and the true way of justification, implying that justification was something God owed due to their efforts, thus negating the Father's grace and Christ's sacrifice. Halakha often led to practices and interpretations that were not in harmony with God's law, creating a yoke that could not be borne. This was evident in the council of Acts 15, where the imposition of the entire Jewish way of life on Gentile converts was debated, with circumcision symbolizing entry into this system. Jesus Himself frequently addressed the oral law, noting in Matthew 5 that what was said of old time often diverged from God's written law, highlighting how these incorrect interpretations held greater authority in the lives of the Jews than God's actual commandments. Furthermore, in Galatians, the Gentiles were being deceived into accepting a mixture of Gnosticism and Judaism, where law to these deceivers meant halakha, not God's law. This led to divisions within the church, as seen in Peter's hypocrisy at Antioch, where he withdrew from Gentiles under Jewish influence, erecting barriers based on halakha's standards. These standards, derived from oral law, produced class distinctions and were contrary to the unity intended by God's law and the gospel.
'But I Say to You' (Part One): The Spirit of the Law
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur 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 Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist will empower us, but will not live our lives for us. The marching orders for our pilgrimage derive from God's Word, containing His holy law.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul never taught any Jew to forsake the Law of Moses, but he did warn against Pharisaical additions for the expressed purpose of attaining justification.
The Pharisees (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHaving their origin in the days of Ezra, the Scribes and Pharisees were extremely zealous for the law, separating themselves for this exclusive purpose.
Matthew (Part Twenty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus explains that what truly defiles a person—evil thoughts, murder, adultery—comes from their heart and mind, not from eating with unwashed hands.
Beware the Leaven
Sermonette by Mike FordThe Jews establishes a fixed date for Shavuot in contradiction to the instruction for counting to Pentecost. This is part of the leavening of the Pharisees.
When Actions Contradict Stated Beliefs
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHypocrisy consists of professing beliefs or virtues that one does not genuinely possess. The primary motivator is pride, and its resulting sin is lying.
The Merciful
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe harsh religion of the Pharisees was unfeeling, placing more attention on rituals and man-made laws, and had turned their super-righteousness into sin.
Why 153 Fish? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhy did Jesus provide exactly 153 fish? Apparently, the number stuck in John's mind for decades. This number must hold some significance, but what is it?
Why Did the Jews Hate Jesus?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe elites' jealousy over losing political power fueled their hatred of Jesus. Conflict between those who have power and those who want it is a way of life.
Matthew (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Pharisees and Sadducees, who normally opposed each other, joined forces against their common enemy, Jesus. They should have recognized Him as the Messiah.
Counting to Pentecost: A Simple Approach
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAccording to the Scripture, the count to Pentecost must begin on the day after the Sabbath in the Days of Unleavened Bread, even in 'anomalous' years.
'But I Say to You' (Part Two): Murder and Anger
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMurder originates in the heart. Nothing from the outside defiles a man but originates in the heart governed by carnal human nature.
Unity and Division: The Blessing and the Curse (Part Four)
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerGod commanded the Israelites to utter blessings from Mount Gerazim and curses from Mount Ebal, most of which deal with hidden sins that give rise to hypocrisy.
The Present Harvest (Part One)
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)The Jews of Christ's day were weary and discouraged because of the burdensome yoke their leaders placed on them through the tradition of the elders.