New believer question: which Old Testament laws still apply?
- How can Christians discern which Old Testament laws still apply versus what was covered by Jesus' sacrifice?
Boova (addressed by name) relays a question from a brand-new believer: with all the Old Testament laws (food, sacrifices, priests and blemishes), how do we discern what still needs doing versus what was covered by Jesus' sacrifice? The hosts answer that the New Testament itself covers much of it: Jesus' Sermon on the Mount points to a 'greater righteousness,' and Jesus' life — 'the Word' of John 1 — is the example that replaces a checklist (circumcision of the heart over physical circumcision). There is no side-by-side yes/no document, and wanting one misses the point: 'God said, I'll give you me.' Practical counsel to the new believer: read the New Testament through two or three times before tackling the Old Testament.
More on Grace
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Should following Jesus feel more comfortable as time goes on?
- Should following Jesus feel more comfortable as time goes on?
A host asks whether following Jesus should feel more comfortable as time goes on — noting the low-level tension many feel around am-I-doing-enough and the stigma that contentment equals laziness.
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Dear LFTP: the friend group's new wife
- How do we tell the husband that they are not invited, and who should deliver the message?
A host reads a second Dear LFTP letter: ten college-friend couples are planning a once-in-a-lifetime cruise, and nobody wants the remarried friend's demanding new wife on the ship.
From No. 592 · Because I Got High
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Dear LFTP: the $600 lawnmower and buying them a mower
- My nephew's wife took my $600, lied about it, and is avoiding me. Should I say something or let it go?
Mike reads a letter from someone who gave a nephew's wife $600 for a self-propelled lawnmower; she spent it, never bought the mower, and now avoids them.
From No. 587 · Coffee After Sunday
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Dear LFTP: the $900 couch letter
- My best friend and her son (about a thousand pounds combined) cracked my new $900 couch and want to bring more family over — what do I do?
Mike reads the second letter (same anchor/merge note): the writer bought a new house and a $900 couch; her best friend and the friend's son — 'about a thousand pounds' combined — audibly cracked it and now want to bring more family.