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Derek finishes this week’s study of faith and works by looking at the only righteous requirement of the law. That is love—and is the objective in the Christian life. Love must be the motivation behind all we do and say as we continue to grow. Since your faith is accounted to you for righteousness, there is no guilt or condemnation, though you may stumble in your love walk. You are now free in Christ.

Today we look at the problem of those who have received the grace of God through Christ, but then try to keep their righteous standing through works. Derek uses the book of Galatians to show how legalism had come into the church. Then he stresses that the Holy Spirit is received by faith, not by works.

Derek addresses the problem of trying to live halfway between rules and grace, and shows there is no way for that to happen. Keeping a set of rules will never make you righteous. Through Romans, Derek explains that when we are alive in Jesus we have died to the law and it no longer has rule over us.

Today Derek talks about. There is a difference between what the law would have you do—although you can’t—and how grace has been provided to help you. The Law is needed to get you to the point where you see your need for grace. That is its purpose.

Derek begins this week’s message by looking at faith and its place in receiving the gospel, making clear just what the gospel is. He then goes into the relationship between faith and works, revealing the danger of legalism but also the misunderstanding of what grace is. We have been made new creations through faith in order to do the good works God has prepared for us.

Derek finishes this week’s study by transitioning from the way of repentance to the walk of faith. He begins with a look at the nature of faith—what it is and where it originates. Faith speaks from our heart and our high priest, Jesus, adds power to it. Faith comes before seeing, but speaks out by confessing hope with determination.

Derek continues his message on a serious note: the fact that God hasn’t changed, and neither has the gospel message. Throughout the book of Acts repentance was stressed first; then came believing in Christ, and then baptism. When God initiates repentance in our lives, He is looking for a response from us.

In today’s session Derek stresses the importance that repentance has to be made before one can fully enter into faith in Christ and be saved. There can be no forgiveness without repentance. This was the message that began in Jerusalem and continues to all nations today.

Today we look at just what repentance means and what it looks like. Derek explains the Greek and Hebrew meanings, drawing them together into a picture that can be seen in the parable of the prodigal son. When this prodigal son, in his misery and broken state, came to himself, he was able to repent and return to his father’s house in humility.