Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

John 14:2&3 "2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." After Palm Sunday, after the Last Supper, after the Garden of Gethsemane, after the Jewish show trial, after taking Him before Herod, Jesus ends up being judged by the Roman Governor, Pilate. Pilate found "NO FAULT" in Jesus. Yet, Pontius Pilate gave in to the Jewish leadership and Barabbus was released instead of Jesus. Barabbus was a bad man, a murderer. Jesus was a sinless man. The guilty man was released, and the innocent man was crucified! Just like we are all guilty people, Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins. You and me, we are Barabbus. We are covered in the blood of Christ. Our sins are no longer visible to God. God only sees the goodness of His Son. We are guilty sinners that are redee...

Luke 23:23-25 "23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that He might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. 24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. 25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will." After Palm Sunday, after the Last Supper, after the Garden of Gethsemane, after the Jewish show trial, after taking Him before Herod, Jesus ends up being judged by the Roman Governor, Pilate. Pilate found "NO FAULT" in Jesus. There was no crime He was guilty of, for which punishment should be inflicted. Least of all, that He should be put to DEATH! The Jewish leadership had other plans. Today's verses, "And they were instant with loud voices, REQUIRING that He might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they REQUIRED. A...

Luke 23:13&14 "13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined Him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse Him:" On Palm Sunday, the celebratory crowd shouted "HOSANNA!" And, rejoiced and praised God with such a loud voice it got everyone's attention. Their praise and worship irritated the Pharisees. They plot and plan on how to deal with the "Jesus of Nazareth." Who embarrassed them and undermined their authority. Jesus and His Disciples have their Last Supper together. Where Jesus gives His followers the practice of Holy Communion. They then adjourn to the Garden of Gethsemane. Where Jesus is betrayed and arrested by the Jewish chief priests. They have a trial of sorts, finding Him guilty. They send Him to Herod, who sends Him to Pilate. In t...

Luke 19:39-40 "39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto Him, Master, rebuke Thy disciples. 40 And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." The celebratory crowd shouted "HOSANNA!" And, rejoiced and praised God with such a loud voice it got everyone's attention. The spirit of the crowd would have been contagious with joy and gladness, and with thanksgiving to God! Their praise and worship irritated the Pharisees. In today's verses they order Jesus, "Master, rebuke Thy disciples." In their eyes they had gotten out of hand. Jesus's answer tells them all we need to know. "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." The coming of the Messiah is such a momentous and joyful event that it must not be suppressed. In fact, all creation can and will celebrate when our Savior returns!

Luke 19:37-38 "37 And when He was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; 38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest." The celebratory crowd not only shouted "HOSANNA!" They also "began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen!" People in this crowd would have heard of or witnessed Jesus's miracles in Galilee, at Cana, Capernaum, and other places, and the recent raising of Lazarus in Bethany. It is not far from here. The spirit of the crowd would have been contagious with joy and gladness, at the memory of these things, and with thanksgiving to God! Try to imagine the excitement and enthusiasm. The air filled with shouts of praise to GOD. The likes of which we only see at sporting events and ...

Luke 19:35-36 "35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. 36 And as He went, they spread their clothes in the way." Before the celebratory crowd is shouting "HOSANNA!" Jesus sent 2 Disciples to get a donkey. Jesus told them how things would unfold. In this event we can see that Jesus is in charge of ALL creatures. The people and the donkeys!  The Disciples put their "jackets" on the donkey for Jesus to sit on like a saddle. People that came to see The Messiah enter Jerusalem, they laid their "jackets" in the roadway for Jesus to pass over them.  {The word garment here is the “tallit” or “prayer shawl”, which was a seamless garment with four corners, with a tassel attached to each of the four corners to remind the Jewish people of all the commands of God.  Upon its collar, the Hebrew letters spell, “Lord of lords and King of kings” as a symbolic reminder of the promised Messiah. By lay...

Luke 19:32-34 "32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as He had said unto them. 33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? 34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him." God's Grand Plan is your REDEMPTION! Since GOD can make that happen, getting a donkey to ride into Jerusalem is easy! Before the celebratory crowd is shouting "HOSANNA!" Jesus sent 2 Disciples to get a donkey. What is described in today's verses is exactly the way Jesus said things would unfold. Here we can see Jesus is in charge of ALL creatures. The people and the donkeys!  In the verses leading up to here we can read that the Disciples are not getting it. They are thinking the Messiah was going to take David's throne. Take Israel back from the Roman occupation. People did not understand God's Grand Plan. Even though Jesus told them all. On their way to Jerusalem they pass through Jericho. Zacheas was there, the...

Mark 11:8-9 "8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:" God's Grand Plan is the GRANDEST of Plans. God's Grand Plan is your REDEMPTION! God's Grand Plan shifts into high gear in Holy Week. Jesus's death on the cross for the sins of all people was "foreordained" or destined or planed in advance! "before the foundation of the world" That's before "In the beginning..." There really is no GREATER love.  Today's verses are from the Gospel of Mark's record of Palm Sunday. Jesus is riding into Jerusalem on a young donkey. "And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, HOSANNA; Blessed is...

Revelation 22:13&14 "13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." God's Grand Plan is the GRANDEST of Plans. God's Grand Plan is your REDEMPTION! We like to imagine a world where Adam and Eve didn't eat the forbidden fruit. But, we don't understand that redeemed people are greater than innocent people. We are given more by Jesus than we ever lost from Adam. Jesus's death on the cross for the sins of all people was "foreordained" or destined or planed in advance! "before the foundation of the world" That's before "In the beginning..." There really is no GREATER love. With this in mind, reconsider Jesus's words at the end of Revelation. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do His com...

1 Peter 1:19&20 "19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you," "foreordained" or destined or planed in advance! "before the foundation of the world" That's before "In the beginning..." Let that sink in, God planned to have Jesus die on the cross to pay the price of your sins! There really is no GREATER love. With this in mind, reconsider Jesus's words about the greatest commandment is to love God. And the second commandment is like that, love one another as Jesus loved you. It's God’s Grand Plan. It's a lofty ambition. God's Grand Plan is NOT your innocence. God's Grand Plan is your REDEMPTION! We like to imagine a world where Adam and Eve didn't eat the forbidden fruit. But, we don't understand that redeemed people are greater than innocent people. We are ...

John 3:17 "For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." Yesterday's verse was one many have memorized; John 3:16. It's God's Grand Plan in one sentence. Precious words. God doesn't fall short or fail to keep His promises. You and I will mess up in love. We have messed up with love. We cannot experience love without someone loving us. We are blessed with a good and gracious God who loves us. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God. And the second commandment is like that, love one another as Jesus loved you.  It's God’s Grand Plan. If there is anything that could be added, it's covered in the next verse. Today's verse, "For God sent NOT His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be SAVED." Because God loved the world, Jesus became one of us. Jesus came down from heaven. Empty Himself of His Divine qualities to be born as a man...

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Jesus is part of the Holy Trinity and was a participant in the creation of everything. AND! Not only is He the Creator, He is also the Supporter of all things. Making each and everything's relationship to Jesus the most important question! Jesus is the basic truth of the universe. Repent and believe the kingdom of God is near in the form of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. If you have not memorized today's verse, you should. It's God's Grand Plan in one sentence. "For God so LOVED the world, that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whosoever BELIEVETH in Him should not perish, but HAVE everlasting life." Precious words. God doesn't fall short or fail to keep His promises. You and I will mess up in love. We have messed up with love. We cannot experience love without someone loving us. We are blessed w...

John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." Jesus is God's Grand Plan. We read that "ALL THINGS" were created by Jesus for Jesus. There is nothing NOT included in "ALL THINGS." Yesterday's verse confirms Jesus's pre-existence to all things. He was not made. He is part of the Holy Trinity and was a participant in the creation of everything. AND! Not only is He the Creator, He is also the Supporter of all things. Making each and everything's relationship to Jesus the most important question! And, as today's verse points out, Jesus is the only way! "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." Jesus is the basic truth of the universe. Repent and believe the kingdom of God is near in the form of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Colossians 1:17 "And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist." Prophet Micaiah knew and loved God. The Holy Ghost gave him the strength to stand up to 400 other prophets and the king. This week we are studying GOD'S LOVE. Found on every page of the Holy Bible. All the Old Testament prophets, promises and events point to Jesus. Why Jesus? Why is THIS God's Grand Plan? Yesterday we read that "ALL THINGS" were created by Jesus for Jesus. There is nothing NOT included in "ALL THINGS." Today's verse confirms Jesus's pre-existence to all things. He was not made. He is part of the Holy Trinity and was a participant in the creation of everything. AND! Not only is He the Creator, He is also the Supporter of all things. "...by Him all things consist." Consist means "To be made up or composed. To have a basis; reside or lie. To be compatible; accord." Which puts the question of "What is your relationship to Jesu...

Colossians 1:16 "For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him:" Last week we studied the prophet Micaiah and how he spoke truth to power. He is an example to us, showing courage when faced with extreme political and peer pressure. We can all aspire to stay faithful to our Lord and Savior when faced with opposition to what is truly good and holy. This week we will study GOD'S LOVE. We can read about it in every page of the Holy Bible. Martin Luther, the founder of the protestant reformation, said that the Holy Bible is a cradle for the baby Jesus. All the Old Testament prophets, promises and events point to Jesus. Why Jesus? Why is THIS God's Grand Plan? In today's verses we read that "ALL THINGS" were created by Jesus for Jesus. When Paul wrote to the Colossians saying "ALL THINGS,...

James 1:12 "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him." Micaiah endured the temptation to go with the crowd and tell the king what he wanted to hear and not what GOD said. The Holy Scriptures don't tell us what happened to Micaiah. He is an example to us, showing courage when faced with extreme political and peer pressure. His speaking truth to power got him in trouble, probably seriously. Prophetic words are often not popular opinions. We need to stand with GOD, even when it gets us in trouble. Today's verses tell us that Micaiah will "...receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him." We can all aspire to stay faithful to our Lord and Savior when faced with opposition to what is truly good and holy.

Acts 17:26&27 "26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though He be not far from every one of us:" "A good man always knows his limitations." The line is from the 1973 movie Magnum Force where Dirty Harry (Clint Eastwood) takes on vigilante cops. It's a wild movie from a wild time in our society and culture. And, not that different from today in our world. And, not that different from the life and time of the prophet Micaiah we studied this week. Micaiah WARNED them ALL. He was slapped, arrested and thrown in prison. King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah went to WAR with Ramothgilead. Just as Micaiah reported from GOD, Ahab, would FALL at Ramothgilead. Ahab was told he would die, and he went to his death anyway. He was told about...

1 Kings 22:34&35 "34 And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded. 35 And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot." Micaiah WARNED them ALL. He was slapped, arrested and thrown in prison.  King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah went to WAR with Ramothgilead. Just as Micaiah reported from GOD, Ahab, would FALL at Ramothgilead.  Prophetic words are often not popular opinions. God's truth is not popular. People often like to go against God. Making prophetic points will get you slapped in the face and jailed. The world works to silence prophets of the true GOD. If we do not heed GOD'S warnings, it will result in negative outcomes. Even death. Like Ah...

1 Kings 22:27&28 "27 And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of AFFLICTION and with water of AFFLICTION, until I come in peace. 28 And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you." Micaiah is standing up for what he knows is the word of the LORD. 400 Prophets came together to advise King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah to go to WAR with Ramothgilead.  In the verses 15-26 we read the record of Micaiah informing the king's of his vision from God. First, Micaiah, sarcastically agreed with the 400. But, the kings knew he didn't mean it.  Micaiah then shares his real vision. Isreal became like sheep scattered on a hillside without a shepherd. This upsets king Ahab and Micaiah is pressed harder for information about his vision. He explains "the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and FALL at Ramothgilead?...

1 Kings 22:13&14 "13 And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. 14 And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak." Micaiah is a minority of one, reporting a dissenting voice. 400 Prophets came together to advise King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah to go to WAR with Ramothgilead. The kings are doing good, going to GOD first. We should go to God with our plans too. Read the Holy Bible and consult with fellow Christians. Unlike Ahab, we should not just seek affirmation. We need to hear the truth. Ahab doesn't like Micaiah because he will not tell him what he wants to hear. "Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak." Micaiah's name means "Who is like Yah?" He i...

1 Kings 22:7&8 "7 And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? 8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so." After Solomon’s death, Israel was divided into the northern kingdom (still called Israel) and the southern kingdom (called Judah). Everyone understood that Prophets spoke on behalf of GOD. In today's verses, the two kingdoms have united to face a fierce enemy, "Ramothgilead." Ahab, the king of Israel brougth together 400 Prophets to "ask" GOD if they should go to WAR. These prophets are basically "yes" men and tell the king what he wants to hear. The king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, asks if there is yet another prophet they could consult. Ahab answers that there is another, but ...

1 Kings 22:5&6 "5 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day. 6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king." The Jewish people are God's chosen people. God has done some incredible things for them! Last week we read about Joshua and how he served his country and his Lord. After his death, Israel had some tough times. Until King David comes along and creates the situation of Israel's Golden Year's. After David, his son, Solomon rules and is able to do great things, but also creates the climate of Israel's division. After Solomon’s death, Israel was divided into the northern kingdom (still called Israel) and the southern kingdom (called Judah). Within this major division there are still further divisions of b...

1 Samuel 16:12&13 "12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon DAVID from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah." The prophet Samuel anointed young David to become the king of Israel. After the time of the Judges, the Jewish people demanded a king like other nations had. They chose Saul, and he was good for a while, but he was not faithful to God. Young David would eventually become king. He will rule over Israel's Golden Year's. We can see reoccurring themes in the Holy Scriptures. God favors and rewards the people that are faithful to Him. But, even they do not find peace in this world, and they have to struggle to achieve God's plans for their lives. We can see our Promised Land is in heaven. We wi...

Joshua 21:43-45 "43 And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which He sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. 44 And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that He sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. 45 There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass." GOD kept His promises. Joshua and his family were committed and faithful to the LORD. In today's verses we can read how positive and enthusiastic Joshua was about GOD. And, he should be. GOD helped him defeat his enemies and reclaim the Promised Land! The challenge for the Jewish people will be to maintain what Joshua accomplished. There is no strong leader to follow. They will enter the time of the Judges and have to constantly battle the Canaanites. 

Exodus 23:31-33 "31 And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee. 32 Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. 33 They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee." "...if thou serve THEIR gods, it will surely be a SNARE unto thee." Idol worship and putting anything ahead of God is going to create problems for everyone. SNARE is a vivid picture. Birds and varmints are caught in traps called SNARES. Usually, they are lured by some kind of bait. Like a tasty morsel. When they take it they are SNARED and their ruin and destruction results. In Joshua's situation, it would be tempting to make peace with the Canaanites and dwell among them. This would draw the Israelites into idolatry with t...

Exodus 23:29&30 "29 I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. 30 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land." God has a Grand Plan. Our obedience is part of it. God had promised to be on the side of the Israelites. God will help them defeat their enemies! As fearful as Isreal may have been, GOD will inspire more FEAR in the hearts and minds of their enemies! God doesn't hand the Promised Land over on a silver platter. The Israelites have to work for it. Joshua leads the Israelites into many battles where they defeat the other people. Little by little GOD will return the Promised Land to the Israelites.

Exodus 23:26-28 "26 There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil. 27 I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee. 28 And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee." Obedience to GOD is important and beneficial! God had promised to send an Angel to help Joshua and the Israelites. GOD will be on their side! God will help them defeat their enemies! God wants the Canaanites to be destroyed. They were VERY wicked. They worshiped idols and rejected the true God. They sacrificed children, performed witchcraft and other evils. Every trace of their idolatry needs to be blotted out. The Israelites were not supposed to make peace or seek any alliance with them. All to prevent God's people from serving other gods, false gods. As fearful as Isreal ma...

Exodus 23:23-25 "23 For Mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off. 24 Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. 25 And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and He shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee." This week we want to learn the importance of obedience to GOD. In Exodus God has promised to send an Angel to help Joshua and the Israelites. They just need to "OBEY His voice, and do all that I speak." The benefits of obedience are GREAT! GOD will be on their side! God will help them defeat their enemies! They Israelites are set to return to the Promised Land. A fertile land, milk and honey. They had a worrisome report from spies. They witnessed giants. They feared t...

Exodus 23:22 "But if thou shalt indeed obey His voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries." Last week we studied The Law, and how it's a gift from God to help form us into better versions of ourselves. Jesus used The Shema, to highlight just how fundamental these concepts are. We want to know and understand the 10 Commandments and Jesus's teachings. It is important to our lives and the well-being of our society.  Today we return to the book of Exodus where God has promised to send an Angel to help Joshua and the Israelites. God says "OBEY His voice, and do all that I speak." Make a condition of His promise the obedience of His people. God doesn't want them worshiping other gods. The benefits of obedience are GREAT! GOD will be on their side! God will help them defeat their enemies!

Mark 12:30&31 "30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." In our study of The Law, we have turned to the Gospel of Mark, where a scribe had the opportunity to ask Jesus which commandment is the most important. Jesus answered with The Shema, that was taught to every Jewish child. It's an obvious answer, and it's an answer that the scribe would think is too simple. And, Jesus continues in today's verses. We can read these two sentences as a summary of two tables of the 10 commandments. The first being people's relationship with God and the second being people's relationships with each other. In our study of the Holy Scriptures, it becomes tempting to look for complexities. Sometimes, even when complexit...

Mark 12:28&29 "28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:" The Law is a gift from God. It is good to think of The Law as a "nanny." It is there to help raise us to maturity. Guide us to good habits. Make us functional and civil members of our community. It gets us to a point where we no longer need a nanny to guide us. And, Jesus explained the secondary purpose of the law, to show us our sin and make us realize we NEED a Savior. Jesus, the Son of God, is the ONLY person to achieve personal obedience to The Law. This, along with His death on the cross, gives us our Salvation. We are saved by God's grace. This does not diminish the Law. Instead, it magnifies the Law! The Law demonstrates to us that we cannot personally save o...