Does the Old Testament’s apparent works-based salvation contradict the New Testament’s faith-based salvation?

While a surface-level reading of both halves of the Bible might lead you to such a conclusion, the Apostle James makes it a point to use the examples of two Old Testament saints to prove his point. As such, true saving faith is always characterised by works, regardless of which side of the cross a person lived. Perhaps most importantly, what does the integrality of our works reveal about God’s divine purpose in our faith?

Follow along with this sermon's transcript: https://www.bethelbpc.com.au/sermon-database/faith-in-action

Sermon Outline

00:00 Trailer

01:31 Introduction

5:45 I. THE EXAMPLE OF ABRAHAM

28:23 II. THE EXAMPLE OF RAHAB

41:17 Closing Prayer

44:19 Reflection Question

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Copyright © 2024, Bethel Bible-Presbyterian Church. All rights reserved.

How can a loving God mandate death penalties in the Old Testament? The justice system established in the Israel of the Old Testament often seems cruel and savage. Because of this, you might be wondering at the plausibility of God being truly merciful and compassionate as the Bible claims. However, as with most apparent biblical impossibilities, this question boils down to our understanding of God’s nature and purposes. Not-so-curiously, today’s judicial systems and institutions evidence marks of the same justice that God once required of His people.

This is the first in a two-part series in which Ps Paul Cheng unfolds the true meaning and application of the phrase “an eye for an eye”, first examining its origin and subsequently its commentary provided by our Lord Jesus in the New Testament. Watch the second part here for the complete picture: coming soon…

📄 Follow along with this sermon's transcript: https://www.bethelbpc.com.au/sermon-database/the-punishment-fits-the-crime-a-life-for-a-life

📍 Sermon Outline 00:00 Trailer 01:22 Introduction 07:31 I. INTENTIONAL KILLING - A. MURDER 15:05 I. INTENTIONAL KILLING - B. KIDNAPPING 19:02 I. INTENTIONAL KILLING - C. ABUSING PARENTS 25:45 II. UNINTENTIONAL KILLING 31:24 “The Bible is totally irrelevant for us today!” 34:00 Closing Prayer 35:28 Reflection Questions

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Copyright © 2024, Bethel Bible-Presbyterian Church. All rights reserved.

What place does good works have in the Christian faith?

Salvation is by faith alone, not by works. But true faith always manifests as a transformed life in which good works are present.

So, what defines a “good work”? In this sermon, the Apostle James delineates 3 distinct signs of saving faith. Learn about how you can accurately use your works to ascertain your spiritual condition.

📄 Follow along with this sermon's transcript: https://www.bethelbpc.com.au/sermon-database/show-me-your-faith-and-i-will-show-you-mine

📍 Sermon Outline

00:00 Trailer

01:26 Introduction

8:17 I. TRUE SAVING FAITH WILL NOT MAKE EMPTY PROFESSIONS

16:02 II. TRUE SAVING FAITH WILL HAVE TRUE COMPASSION

28:24 III. TRUE SAVING FAITH WILL HAVE TRUE CONVICTION

39:24 Closing Prayer

43:03 Reflection Question

📺 Watch this sermon and others on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BethelBPC

Copyright © 2024, Bethel Bible-Presbyterian Church. All rights reserved.