Lessons from Bethesda, Part 1 - Evangelical Caucus/Devotional

Gracetoyou.org ^ | 2008 | John MacArthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

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Reset “Now it was the Sabbath on that day. So the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, ‘It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.’ But he answered them, ‘He who made me well was the one who said to me, “Pick up your pallet and walk.”’ They asked him, ‘Who is the man who said to you, “Pick up your pallet and walk”?’ But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while there was a crowd in that place” (John 5:9–13).

John notes that the healing took place on the Sabbath. Indeed, that was the key to this whole incident. It set the stage for the Jewish authorities’ open hostility toward Christ. The fury of their opposition would only escalate throughout the remainder of His earthly ministry, finally culminating in His death.

Jesus’ refusal to observe the legalistic and man-made Sabbath regulations was a major point of contention between Himself and Israel’s religious establishment. In fact, the Lord deliberately chose to heal this man on the Sabbath to confront superficial and bankrupt Jewish legalism. The Lord wanted to show mercy to this man, but also to call the nation to repentance by confronting the self-righteous and unbiblical stipulations that led to their illusion of spiritual life.

Ask Yourself

Are there certain tastes, traditions, and preferences that cloud your view of God’s activity in the world and in people’s lives?

How many could you name?

What elevates these rigid absolutes beyond their biblical contexts, positioning them as barriers to grace rather than gateways to it?

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word ping

[Tell It Right]

Thanks for posting!

Of course in 21st century America, the main religious problem isn't too much legalism from religious leaders, at least not people defined as "religious leaders". It's the legalism coming from the God hating cult called the political left. They come against you when they can think up a "rule" to use against you any time you influence people around you to turn to God.

[metmom]

And they try to use Scripture against you to force you into submission to their worldview.

What a joke. Non-Christians thinking they have the prerogative of telling Christians how they should be living and acting.

I don’t think God thinks to highly of unbelievers using HIs word as a bludgeon to force people into submission with.

[Tell It Right]

Agreed. The nonbelievers in our country, mostly in the Dim party, sometimes use the power of govt against Christians to try to force us into their religion.

[metmom]

Which is why they constantly accuse US of forcing our morals/beliefs/religion on them.

They don’t know how to think outside their box so they project and accuse us of what they’re doing.

[grcuster]

Colorado is a prime example of government forcing their satanical calling. Recent Masterpiece Baker and now a counselor going before the Supreme Court, Chiles v Salazar.