Message from Pastor Leo

October 1,2008

    As a pastor, I’m often asked “What’s with all of those Old Testament rules?”  Well, those rules, called The Law, are found in the first five books of the Old Testament and they’re very important.

    Without the Law, life would be like roads without traffic signs.  Without a stop sign, we wouldn’t know that we’re supposed to stop at the intersection.  Without speed limit signs we wouldn’t know to slow down at the school cross walks.

    God’s laws show us how to live life.  Some of the laws were to bring the people of the Old Testament back into fellowship with God after sin caused separation.  Some were given for our safety and protection, or for health and sanitation reasons.  But they were also given for another reason.

    Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24  The Law (more specifically, the Ten Commandments) shows us that we could not be perfect.  We cannot meet God’s standard for holiness.  When we look at the Ten Commandments especially, we should turn to God and say, “I can’t do it!  Lord, I want to do it right but I can’t.  I’m a sinner.  I need you.”

    Praise God that Jesus did what we cannot.  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9  

    We can’t work our way to God by keeping the Law.  But because of God’s grace, because of His free gift, we can spend eternity with God in heaven.

    Read your Bible.  When you do, you’ll see these kinds of truths for yourself.  These are the truths that give us hope.  When you have these truths as part of your own life, you’ll also be able to help others understand. 

    So read your Bible every day, and grow in your understanding of God’s wonderful plan for your life.

May the Lord Jesus Christ Be Magnified!

Pastor Leo A. Giovinetti