Indagatio Veri

Jesus accomplished something on the cross that completely altered our relationship with sin.  When we believe in Him, we step into a whole new reality.  As Christians, our relationship to sin has completely changed.  In 1 John, John writes some very challenging statements about our relationship to Jesus and how that affects sin in our life.  I think that John wrote this book to make people ‘question’ their salvation.  This is opposite of how many teachers interpret it however.  In 1 John 5:13 it says, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”  Many times this verse is used to assure people of their salvation, but John says he ‘writes these things’ so that you may be assured.  So that means we have to look at what he wrote; and this particular book has some of the most challenging verses within scripture. Here are a few of the most challenging verses...

"Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me-- to keep me from exalting myself!  Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.  And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness (2 Cor. 12:7-9).'" The 'thorn' in Paul's flesh is a mystery to the church.  There has been much speculation and debate about what it could be, but ultimately we can't confidently assert a definitive answer.  Probably the most common assertion is that Paul had some sort of sickness or physical/mental disability.  That is primarily because of the words 'torment and weakness' that are used in that passage.  The other common assumption has been that Paul had a sin or temptation issue that he continually had to deal with.  Utilizing these two explanations, many Christians...

Jesus was the greatest law preacher of all time! Most of His ministry was dedicated to frustrating people's attempts at getting into heaven/following Him.  He raised the bar so high, in many situations, hoping and waiting for people to give up entirely on their own ability to 'achieve' salvation.  Much of His earthly ministry was not one of grace but of law, so that people would recognize that their own personal attempts at perfection were futile.  He preached law so as to prepare people for a savior, himself.  He taught law until His death and resurrection, when He reconciled the world to Himself; He then gave the message of reconciliation to His disciples; especially to the apostle Paul.  Lets dive into the teachings of Jesus, the greatest of law preachers.  In doing so may the Spirit empower us to leave behind the law and step into His marvelous grace! As we look at these passages it is interesting to note that Jesus tailor made His messages ...