The BIG Picture (Q&A)

Social Media Statement: Paul told us there is no division in 1 Corinthians 3. We are to submit to Christ above all teachers, including Paul himself. I have an issue with the claim that we are not expected to follow the commands Jesus himself spoke in Matthew. Are you saying we can ignore the law because Paul said we are free from the law. If I am not accurately reflecting your post, please elaborate. My Reply: The Bible clearly tells us that the earthly ministry of Jesus was to Israel only, as mentioned in Matt.15:24 and Rom.15:8. Jesus, a minister of the circumcision (Jews), promoted and taught according to the Mosaic law, which is a doctrine and dispensation we are not under today. Consider that we do not sacrifice animals. We do not have to do ritual washings. We are not under the Sabbath law/covenant. We do not have Kosher dietary limitations. All these and more are what Jesus taught during His earthly ministry. On the other hand, Paul was called and separated by God to be the apos...

QUESTION: Several passages of the New Testament identify the importance of following the commandments but don't say what they are (other than loving God and neighbor)? Is any other commandment essential to the Christian way? ANSWER: This is an excellent question and one that many people might ask. The key to answering this question is knowing what the law is and what is commanded of us to obey. So, let me start with the following. Paul clearly tells us that we (as grace believers) are not under the law, Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. What does Paul mean by this? What law is he referring to? Paul is not referring to the 10 commandments. These are the basic moral laws that apply to all humanity. These are the values written in our conscience. It does not matter what nation or language you are from; your conscience will testify to these actions. You will know it is wrong to kill, steal, lie, etc. Thus, Paul is not referrin...

Question:   “ The truth is that Christians are not to reject the law of God, the ten commandments, but by the Almighty’s Spirit should know how to apply keeping His commands without a religious organization telling them what they must or not must not do! G od has said it over and over again. We are to keep His commandments. Why don’t we? Is it because some man or some church organization tells them so? Why is man’s teaching so different that what God commandment???” Answer:  It is true that no Christians is to reject the 10 commandments. In essence, these are the moral standards that all men should abide by. The world would be a WONDERFUL place if men kept just these 10 commandments. However, the truth is that humans CANNOT keep the law, even if they wanted to. Humans are corrupted by the curse of sin. The book of Romans says that “ There are none that are righteous, no not one! ” (Rom.3:10) . It does not matter if God, the pope, a church, or a government, tells men to keep ju...