The Blackstone Church of Christ Welcomes You!
Come join us as we strive to study God's word and be the people (individually and collectively) we read about in the bible.
Welcome to the Blackstone Church of Christ, a Bible-based, caring congregation.
Come join us as we strive to study God's word and be the people (individually and collectively) we read about in the bible.
Introduction: This message explores a profound truth: the life we are called to live in Christ is one marked not merely by adherence to rules, but by the transformative power of love, liberty, and the fruit of the Spirit. It is vital that we understand the difference between the old covenant of the Law, given through the Ten Commandments, and the new covenant of grace, love, and the Spirit, revealed through Jesus Christ.
The Law and Its Purpose: The Ten Commandments, part of the Levitical Law, were given to the Israelites as a moral and ceremonial code (Exodus 20). These commandments served a crucial purpose—to reveal God’s holy standard and to show humanity its need for a Savior. The Law acted as a guardian, leading us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). However, the Law was never intended to be the final destination for God’s people. It was a temporary measure, pointing forward to the coming of the Messiah, who would fulfill the Law and establish a new covenant.
Jesus’ Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus Himself made it clear that He did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). In Him, the requirements of the Law are met, and through His sacrifice, we are no longer under the Law, but under grace (Romans 6:14). The focus shifts from rigid obedience to external commandments to a heart transformed by the love of Christ. This transformation is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
The Greatest Commandment: Jesus summarized the Law in a powerful way when He was asked about the greatest commandment. He said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40).
Here, Jesus shifts the focus from external compliance to internal transformation. Love is the fulfillment of the Law (Romans 13:10). When we love God and love others, we naturally live in a way that pleases God and reflects His character to the world.
The Liberty of the Spirit: Brothers and sisters, it is crucial that we do not neglect the liberty we have in Christ. Galatians 5:1 reminds us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” This liberty is not a license to sin but a call to live in the freedom of the Spirit, producing fruit that glorifies God.
Neglecting this liberty, or failing to live out the love and grace of Christ, is equivalent to rejecting Him. We cannot claim to belong to Christ and yet live as though we are still bound by the old covenant. To do so is to deny the power of His resurrection and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within us.
Living Out Our Faith: James 1:22 exhorts us to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” True Christianity is not merely about knowing Scripture but living it out daily. We are called to embody the love of Christ, showing compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, just as He has shown to us. The world needs to see the love of Christ in us—not just in our words, but in our actions.
Conclusion: As we go forth from this place, let us remember that we are called to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). This light shines not through rigid adherence to the Law but through the love and liberty we have in Christ. Let us boldly show the world what true Christianity is—an outpouring of the fruit of the Spirit, a life marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
May we be a living testimony to the transformative power of Christ, reflecting His love to a world in desperate need of it. Amen.
For more than 40 years, the Blackstone Church of Christ has served as a beacon of Truth in Southern Virginia. Situated in the town of Blackstone, Virginia, the congregation has grown to be a symbol of faithfulness to the sacrifice and teachings of Jesus Christ while showing love and compassion to anyone who enters into the assembly.
The bible is the congregation’s sole source of authority. It guides both the congregation’s collective worships and the individual lives of the members. The Blackstone church even offers a bible correspondence course that has opened a window to the gospel many who may have otherwise missed out on the life-giving word of God.
The Blackstone Church of Christ invites you to visit during one of the scheduled meeting times:
Bible Study, Sunday Morning, 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service, Sunday Morning, 10:30 a.m.
Bible Study, Wednesday Evening, Conference Call only, 7:00 p.m., dial 240-219-3041
If you have a bible question, we will provide you with an opinion-free bible answer.