Jesus never spoke against the social ills of His day: Slavery, prostitution, racism, political corruption, Roman occupation. But He spoke very strongly against one problem--the legalism and spiritual abuse of the Scribes and Pharisees. Christian legalism offers salvation, answered prayer, blessing, or acceptance as a reward for performance.

You might be a legalist if:

1. You think keeping religious rules is more important than following biblical principles.

2. You are more concerned with keeping religious rules than loving and serving people.

Jesus brought a radically new message of grace and forgiveness. His message and practice was dramatically at odds with the reigning religion of the Pharisees.

Jesus affirmed that His message could not be added to the existing understanding. Rather, a completely new approach one's relationship to God was necessary.

Jesus came to save sinners. As such, sinners could only relate to God on the basis of His grace and a righteousness that is granted to them by faith.

We will see in this story that Jesus' message of grace is completely incompatible with performance-based religion.

Our Divine Standard: Scripture Alone, Part 2

It may sound strange to hear, but there are actually two kinds of people Jesus can't save. Learn who they are. One we can do something about, the other is an impossible situation.

Our Divine Standard: Scripture Alone, Part 1

How do we apply God's Word to our lives? Application is the final step of Bible Study. Learn how to put God's Word into practice.

Jesus demonstrated His authority to forgive sins by healing the paralytic. The core of the Christian message is the forgiveness of sins. Learn more about it as you listen.

How can we study the Bible with confidence that we are understanding it accurately? Learn principles for sound Bible interpretation.

How can we study the Bible with confidence that we are understanding it accurately? Learn principles for sound Bible interpretation.

Jesus provided proof that He was indeed the unique Son of God by means of His power over demons and disease. He displayed His priority to have a preaching ministry in regions beyond rather than a healing ministry in Capernaum. He demonstrated pathos in the healing of the leper. Listen and find out how these observations apply to us today.