Teaching for today

Because of the testimony of the woman at the well, a group of Samaritans came to see that Jesus "really is the Saviour of the world" (John 4:42). Christ is able to provide a full salvation and he is able to keep us. What are the implications for evangelism and for Christian assurance?

In the Old Testament the role of the Kinsman Redeemer was to redeem the property or the freedom of a relative who had fallen into debt or slavery. This is a picture of Christ, the Great Redeemer, who redeems his people from the moral poverty and slavery of sin.

The book of Hebrews describes Christ as the Great High Priest and develops the doctrine of penal substitution. Christ is the only priest who offered himself as a full and perfect sacrifice. We can come boldly to God through the merits of Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16).

"Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer" (Isaiah 53). The Son of God came to reclaim ruined sinners by taking on the nature of a servant and becoming obedient to death. Are we ready to take up our cross daily and follow him?

The coming of the Messianic King is clearly promised in the Old Testament. Not least in the book of Isaiah - a Messiah bearing the title "the mighty God", ruling on the throne of David. Does our view of Christ line up with his kingship?

1 Corinthians 7:23-24 says: "You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to." Professor Donnelly challenges the Christian's view of God's general and personal call on their life.

Whether we own much or little, what we have is ours to steward and is not to be stolen, so violating the God-given right to private propoerty. Stealing also reveals covetousness, which is idolatry.

Whether we own much or little, what we have is ours to steward and is not to be stolen, so violating the God-given right to private property. Stealing also reveals covetousness, which is idolatry.

The sanctity of human life as made in the image of God is protected by the sixth commandment. To murder a person is to desecrate the image of God and mock God himself. Murder, manslaughter, abortion, euthanasia and suicide are all outlawed by this commandment. How is life valued in today's society? The Lord Jesus Christ taught that this commandment also prohibits unrighteous anger and insulting behaviour.

This commandment teaches that the only context for shared sexual intimacy is within the marriage bond of one man with one woman. What steps should Christians take to ensure they are faithful to this commandment in today's sex-saturated culture?