November 2024

Do We Need God’s Rules?

Do We Need God’s Rules?

In Romans 2:15, Paul writes about how God’s laws are already written on our hearts. This passage brings up a good question: Do we need God’s rules? After all, don’t we already know right from wrong? Do we need to read the Ten Commandments to know we shouldn’t steal or lie? In this study, we’ll explore why God’s rules matter, what our conscience does, and why we can’t ignore the guilt that comes from wrongdoing.

1. God’s Rules Are Written on Our Hearts

Romans 2:15 tells us that even people who don’t know God’s law still have His rules written in their hearts. When we feel guilty after lying or ashamed after cheating, that’s our conscience reminding us of God’s rules. This inner feeling, given by God, nudges us back in the right direction. So, do we need God’s rules? Yes, because they remind us of His standards, but God’s law is also imprinted within us to guide us toward living right.

When we read the Ten Commandments, we see rules like “Do not steal” or “Do not commit adultery.” But most of us don’t need someone to tell us these things are wrong. Why? Because God has already given each of us a conscience. It’s that little voice in our hearts that reminds us when we’ve done something wrong, and it helps us feel guilt or shame. Those feelings guide us toward making better choices, but they don’t come from nowhere. They’re there because of God’s law in our hearts.

2. Ignoring Our Conscience Has Consequences

When we go against what our conscience tells us, it hurts our relationship with God and others. If we ignore that inner voice long enough, we risk “callousing” over our hearts. Just like calloused skin stops feeling pain, a calloused heart stops feeling guilt or shame. But does that mean we’ve erased God’s rules from our hearts? Not at all. God’s rules don’t disappear just because we’ve stopped feeling bad for breaking them.

Romans 2:15 reminds us that even if we no longer feel bad about our choices, we’ll still face God’s judgment. It’s like driving with a broken speedometer. Just because you can’t see the speed doesn’t mean the speed limit doesn’t apply. Ignoring guilt doesn’t make the consequences go away; it only makes us less sensitive to God’s guidance.

3. Given Out of Love

So, why do we need God’s rules? They aren’t just a list of do’s and don’ts to make us feel guilty. God gives us these guidelines because He loves us and wants what’s best for us. When we follow His ways, we live in a way that pleases Him and brings us peace. God’s rules help us understand His character, and following them brings us closer to Him.

Romans 2:15 shows us that we don’t have to read the Bible to know that certain things are wrong; God has made His truth clear in our hearts. But reading His Word keeps our hearts sensitive to what pleases Him.

Conclusion: Do We Need God’s Rules?

Do we need God’s rules? Yes, because even though He’s written them on our hearts, they’re there to help guide us closer to Him. Ignoring our conscience and pushing aside guilt only damages our hearts and our relationship with God. His rules exist to protect us and lead us to a life of peace, truth, and love. God loves us so much that He gave us a conscience to help us feel the weight of wrongdoing so that we can choose to turn back to Him.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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Jesus Gives Us Talents

Jesus Gives Us Talents

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. This story explains how God has given each of us something valuable. The master in the parable represents Jesus, who has gone to prepare a place for us in heaven. Until He returns, He entrusts each of us with gifts, or “talents,” that we are meant to use and grow. In this study, we’ll dive into what Jesus’ story teaches about using what talents He gives us and being faithful in all things.

The Master’s Journey and Our Calling

    In the parable, the master leaves on a long journey and entrusts his wealth to his servants. This represents Jesus, who returned to heaven after His work on the cross. Before He left, He entrusted His followers with something precious: the gospel and the gifts He’s given to each of us. Jesus promises in John 14:2-3 that He’s gone to prepare a place for us and that He will come back. In the meantime, we’re called to make good use of what He’s left in our care.

    Each of us receives different gifts, or talents, from God. Some of us have the ability to teach, some to serve, some to encourage, and others to share the gospel with ease. The gifts, like the talents, are priceless because they carry the life-changing message of Jesus.

    How We Use What Jesus Gives Us Matters

      Jesus gives us talents for a reason. In the parable, one servant receives five talents, another receives two, and the last one receives one talent. The first two servants use their talents and double them. The master is pleased when he returns and finds that they’ve invested well. This teaches us that God doesn’t measure our success by how much we start with but by what we do with what we have. Jesus gives us talents, and He wants us to use them to help others and share His love.

      But the third servant hides his talent, fearing he’ll lose it. When the master returns, he isn’t happy with this servant’s lack of effort. This part of the story teaches us that we must not hide what God has given us. Whether it’s our ability to encourage someone, share our faith, or show kindness, God wants us to be active and engaged, using our talents to glorify Him.

      Faithfulness Leads to Joy and Reward

        When the master returns, he tells the first two servants, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Because they used their talents, they were rewarded with more responsibility and joy. This shows that when we faithfully use what God has given us, He blesses us even more. Jesus gives us talents not only so that we grow but so we can bless others and share His love. And as we do, we find joy and purpose.

        Conclusion: Jesus Gives Us Talents

        Jesus gives us talents, and He wants us to use them to serve others and spread the gospel. The parable of the talents teaches us that God values faithfulness and expects us to make the most of what He’s entrusted to us. He doesn’t want us to hide our gifts out of fear or insecurity but to use them boldly. When we are faithful with our talents, we find joy, purpose, and a closer relationship with Him. So let’s make good use of what Jesus has given, investing in others and sharing His love as we wait for His return.

        To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

        To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.