EXPOSITION: Chapter 7:1-25 Before he can unpack the full cosmic purpose of the Gospel in ch. 8, Paul continues his solution to the dual problem of sin and the law. Having addressed sin in ch. 6, he now focusses on the law, although, he has already introduced its solution in 6:14, sowing the seed that we are no longer “under law but under grace”, before diverting to his … [Read more...]
Theonomy
This teaching stream explores Theonomy (theo – God, nomos – law, meaning God’s law).
Theonomy not only demonstrates the harmony of Old Testament and New Testament – of Law and Gospel – but it validates the ethical force of the Old Testament law in all its specifics as a divinely revealed objective standard for the sanctification (ethical holiness) of the believer and for social justice.
Read more: Theonomy
5 Books for Faithful Biblical Sexuality in the Midst of Sexual Chaos
We live in an unprecedented time of sexual chaos, promoted and celebrated not only in the surrounding culture but also, tragically, in the church. In the name of liberation the sexual revolution advances the deconstruction of the family, including no-fault divorce, pre-marital sex, abortion as contraception and the sexualisation of children, and the deregulation of sexual … [Read more...]
The Gospel & Cultural Transformation: Natural Law or God’s Law?
The current emphasis on the Gospel's power to renew cities and culture is a great positive. Nevertheless, it provokes an important question. Let us assume that city and cultural renewal gain traction – which, increasingly, they will – the next question is how do we determine the ethics and laws by which a renewed and just society should be governed. As a Christian you … [Read more...]
Religious Freedom: A Proposed Bill of Rights for Australia
After vigorous national debate, Australia, in September 2017, voted in a plebiscite to legalise Same-Sex Marriage. This highlighted the issue of competing rights and the potential suppression of freedom of speech and religion. As a result the Prime Minister established a Religious Freedom Review served by an expert panel of academics and clergy. Lifemessenger has submitted the … [Read more...]
A Biblical View of Church and State: Implications for Same-Sex Marriage
In understanding the biblical role of church and state – and its implications for homosexuality – we must first understand the transformational nature of God’s kingdom. Christ is not only “head over all things to the church” (Eph 1:22), but also “ruler of kings on earth” (Rev 1:5). Through Christ’s resurrection and ascension he has been given “all authority in heaven and on … [Read more...]
