Jesus is the Answer

June 18, 2012 Monday Message:

Paul: “A person is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.” Gal. 2:16a

Those of us alive in 2012 have always had access to a Bible. Long ago, the church collected, verified and authenticated the writings we know as our Bible. We can read and understand how God’s story begins, what occurred, and how it will unfold in the future. We have “systematic theology” - we know how Christianity “works.”

Following Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension, worship began without the systematic theology model. These believers knew that Jesus was the Son of God and Savior of the world, but lacked the details of how this new “Christianity-thing” ought to work.

Most of Paul’s letters were written to help establish and give clarity to this new systematic theology, defining how Christianity works, and to encourage straying groups of believers back onto the proper path. Paul would check with and sometimes even confront the Jerusalem apostles in an effort to keep the Good News true to what God had shown him.

Nowadays we know that a person is saved only by faith in Jesus Christ, and phrases like “saved by grace through faith” just roll off our reformation tongues. The answer is simply, “Jesus.” It’s never Jesus-plus-something else. Just, “Jesus.”

Aren’t you glad we have 2012’s clarity about our eternal destiny?

Norton Lawellin

This Sunday I’ll be teaching Galatians 2 at Jesus in the City – the old location – lower level of Trinity First, 1115 E. 19^th St., Mpls., 11am.

We’re looking forward to July 29 – that’s the day that Jesus in the City Sunday worship moves to the Oliver Ministry Center, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue. Note the new service time: 10:30am. Prayers covering this transition and move would be appreciated.