The BIG Picture (Q&A)

A short while ago I watched a video of a theological debate featuring 3 prominent speakers who represent 3 different denominations. As a host asked various questions, each of the panelists would respond, and the theology of these participants differed from mildly to wildly depending on the questions. It was interesting to watch how each defended their particular view of theology, and even though they validated their points with scriptures and good arguments, it was quite sad to see how they made the whole debate complex and divisive based on their differences. In Acts 17, Paul arrives at Athens and sees an array of idols set up around the city, probably near the Areopagus, or Mars Hill, where a council of civic leaders met, as well as the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, who were always looking to discover something "new" to discuss. Can you imagine the debates that those philosophers had, each believing in a different god and different theologies. How much did the opinions...

In Paul's epistles, he writes many times that we are not under the law . Does this mean that I am not accountable to follow rules, or I don't need to obey a government or an institutions laws? No. This is not the case. Romans 13 clearly teaches that we are subject to those in authority over us, for God has placed them there. Let's have a look at some key scriptures first, and then determine what Paul means when he says, "we are not under the law" . Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law , but under grace. Galatians 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law , that I might live unto God. Galatians 3:10-12 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse : for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them . 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the l...