Teaching for today

School teacher then lecturer in the Education Department of Newcastle University, Raymond Johnston became the Director of Care Campaigns. He fervently believed that in a collapsing culture Christians must speak out for the truth.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). Through his sacrifice on the cross, Christ's righteousness is imparted to the believer. Jesus Christ has fulfilled the law's demands on our behalf. Christ did not come to abolish the law. The law condemns the sinner, yet the law is good. It is a friend to all those who seek to live a Christ-like life in an increasingly hostile world.

Throughout the course of salvation history God has progressively revealed more and more information about himself “at many times and in various ways” (Hebrews 1:1). This progressive revelation culminated in the person of Jesus Christ. He is God's final word to all mankind. There is no other name by which we must be saved.

Israel in the Old Testament was called to be a nation set apart from the world, with clear rules about separation of the clean from the unclean. Jesus shocked the Jewish leaders of his time by sharing meals with sinners, and touching unclean lepers. Instead of Jesus being “contaminated”, his purity transformed their lives. He announces a New Covenant age of spiritual power where believers are called to be salt and light which reaches every part of society. The Gospel drives back spiritual darkness and brings hope to all the nations of the world.

The Covenant of Grace is the common cord that runs through all of Scripture. It is an expression of the Covenant of Redemption, entered into by the Godhead in eternity. The Covenant of Grace was administered differently before the coming of Christ (Old Testament/Covenant) from after the coming of Christ (New Testament/Covenant). The Hebrew Christians were in danger of going back to 'Old Covenant' rites and ceremonies. The writer to the Hebrews points out, especially in chapter 8, how vastly superior (better) the 'New Covenant' is, as it is fulfilled in Christ, the mediator of the Covenant.

This lecture covers the theme of divine immanence in creation, relating it to Eden, the land promised in the Old Testament, the city of Jerusalem, the Tabernacle and the Temple, and how all these move forward to culminate in Christ.The lecture helps to provide an understanding of how God dwells with his people, and the work of the Holy Spirit. It also sheds light on contemporary issues such as the health and wealth gospel.

Whether we own much or little, what we have is ours to steward and is not to be stolen, so violating the God-given right to private propoerty. Stealing also reveals covetousness, which is idolatry.

Whether we own much or little, what we have is ours to steward and is not to be stolen, so violating the God-given right to private property. Stealing also reveals covetousness, which is idolatry.

The sanctity of human life as made in the image of God is protected by the sixth commandment. To murder a person is to desecrate the image of God and mock God himself. Murder, manslaughter, abortion, euthanasia and suicide are all outlawed by this commandment. How is life valued in today's society? The Lord Jesus Christ taught that this commandment also prohibits unrighteous anger and insulting behaviour.

This commandment teaches that the only context for shared sexual intimacy is within the marriage bond of one man with one woman. What steps should Christians take to ensure they are faithful to this commandment in today's sex-saturated culture?

Today, parents' authority is being undermined by public policy and popular culture. A breakdown in respect for the authority of parents leads to all manner of negative consequences. What does it mean for Christians to keep this commandment today?

What is the place of the Sunday for New Testament Christians? Is 'the day of rest' for the Christian alone or does it have significance for others?

God demands that we should worship and glorify him and him alone. But what are the idols of our day and how can Christians keep these commandments?

In our society people routinely take the LORD's name in vain. Can Christians be guilty of breaking this commandment through careless use of God's name? How are we to react to the blasphemy we hear around us daily?

If love is the fulfulment of the law, then do Christians still need the law? If we should obey God's law, which laws in the Old Testament are still binding on Christians?