The book of Deuteronomy emphasizes the importance of God's law in the life of His people, encouraging them to love and obey it as a display of their faith and righteousness. Moses stresses the need to keep God's law central in the family and in relationships with other nations, warning against idolatry and the dangers of becoming like the surrounding cultures. The Lord's heart is to bless His people and cause them to rejoice in Him, and He encourages them to trust in His power and presence, even in the face of challenges and difficulties. [... more]

Jesus brings a fresh perspective on the Sabbath, emphasizing mercy and grace over legalism and ritualism. He teaches that followers of Christ are not under the Mosaic law, but rather under the law of Christ, and that the Lord's Day is a day for personal renewal, worship, and serving God. [... more]

The rise of sports betting and gambling poses a significant challenge for Christians, as it can lead to financial ruin, exploitation of the vulnerable, and a distorted view of money and stewardship. Kyle Worley, a pastor and author, discusses the spiritual stakes behind this growing trend and offers guidance on how to navigate it with wisdom and conviction. [... more]

Jesus teaches that he is Lord of the Sabbath, and that mercy and compassion are more important than the meticulous observance of ceremonial law. He demonstrates this by healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, showing that doing good is lawful on this day. [... more]

The concept of dispensationalism is often misunderstood, with some critics labeling it as a form of Christian Zionism. However, dispensationalism recognizes the progress of revelation in Scripture, with the Old Testament to be interpreted in its own terms and not re-read through the lens of the New Testament. A critical element is the interpretation of prophetic promises given to Israel in the Old Testament, with both continuity and discontinuity between the two testaments. [... more]

The Bible presents two choices: life and good or death and evil. Without God, one will experience emptiness, but surrendering to God brings life and joy. Everyone worships something, and the question is, what or who is one's master, and will it be the benevolent sovereign creator or a created object that consumes? [... more]

The human heart tends to forget God when feeling sufficiently supplied, leading to complacent cravings and a self-focused life, whereas grateful contentment leads to an outward focus and worshiping the infinite sovereign creator. [... more]

The concept of a conditional covenant is presented, where obedience is contingent upon flourishing as a people and longevity in the land. If one forsakes God, they will face disaster, including social, familial, economic, and physical consequences. The illustration of a branch severed from a tree highlights humanity's propensity for self-destruction when they abandon God's gracious care. [... more]

Moses presents the people with two choices: to follow God and find life and peace, or to find their master in something else, leading to death and misery. The blessings for God's people to thrive and flourish are contingent upon their obedience to God's commands. [... more]

God's laws in Deuteronomy 25 were given to Israel to promote human flourishing by removing the obstructions of cruelty and repression. When we become aware of God's work for human flourishing, our hearts will be drawn to praise. We are called to worship in a way that remembers God's faithfulness, redemption, and goodness, and to invoke the terms of the covenant by obeying God's voice with all our heart and soul. [... more]

Pastor Rich unpacks the laws in Deuteronomy 21-22, showing their historical and biblical context, and how they point toward the gospel. He discusses the importance of creation stewardship, safety guardrails, and the sanctity of marriage, highlighting God's loving boundaries and the need for human flourishing. [... more]

Pastor Rich Powell unpacks the laws in Deuteronomy 21-22, highlighting the underlying principles of atonement for guilt, protection of females, and the privilege of the firstborn. He also explores the importance of guarding against rebellion and the consequences of capital punishment, revealing how these laws point to the gospel and foreshadow the cross. [... more]

The tithe, a long-standing practice in Christian stewardship, is often misunderstood and tied to guilt or division. John Cortinez, Director of Grantmaking at the McClellan Foundation, takes a fresh look at the ancient practice, examining the Old and New Testament references to the tithe and identifying five key principles that can inform giving today. He emphasizes the importance of giving to Christ as priest and king, giving faithfully to the local church, celebrating God's goodness, caring for the poor, and recognizing 10% as an ancient benchmark. [... more]

God's gracious heart is revealed in the laws He gave to the people of Israel, demonstrating His desire for human flourishing and gratitude. Through Jesus, we see the hope and joy our God has for His people, and we are called to be hopeful, helpful, and generous, reflecting God's special ownership of His people. [... more]

The gracious heart of God is revealed in His laws, which aim for human flourishing. Jesus' teachings on cleanness and uncleanness highlight the importance of the heart, not external actions. The gospel transforms people, making them clean and justifying them by God's mercy, allowing them to become heirs of eternal life. [... more]

The gracious heart of God is revealed in the laws He gave to the people of Israel, emphasizing human flourishing and distinction from detestable practices. The clean and unclean categories in the Old Testament are not just about health and hygiene, but also about disassociation from abominable practices and foreshadowing the reality in Christ. [... more]

God's people are set apart by how they perceive life and death, disassociating themselves from pagan rituals and instead finding hope in God's gift of eternal life. [... more]

The worship of God is a contrast to paganism, rooted in divine revelation and objective truth, and is a response to God's self-disclosure. It is not a human construction, but a divine ordination, and is essential for faithfulness to God's laws. [... more]

The Davidic Covenant is an unconditional everlasting covenant made by God with King David, promising him a great name, a place of rest for Israel, and a lineage that will provide a future ruler for God's people. This covenant is a significant part of God's plan of redemption and is closely tied to the Abrahamic Covenant and the Mosaic Covenant. [... more]

The story of Uzzah's death serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the consequences of presumption. In the Old Testament, capital offenses were punishable by death, and God's justice was tempered with mercy. However, God's kindness and patience do not mean He ignores sin, and each sin is an attack on His sovereignty, making it cosmic treason. [... more]