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John Ritenbaugh, focusing on Matthew 9:2-9 recounts an event in which an evangelist criticized Herbert W. Armstrong for suggesting that healing constitutes a forgiveness of sin. The effects of sin on successive generations are clearly seen in Exodus 20:5. Sin causes disease, but the person who becomes sick does not necessarily commit the sin. Because God alone can forgive sin, God alone can heal. Matthew, a former publican, was nevertheless made an apostle by Jesus Christ. Matthew’s need to overcome stands in stark contrast to the Pharisees smug condemnatory righteousness. Christianity is a joyous experience we share with Christ. The reactionary Pharisees, bogged down with manmade traditions, were extremely resistant to new truth and change. Human nature is passionately attached to the status quo. Consequently, the new teachings of Christ are incompatible with the teachings we learned from our parents or society. Even with our inadequacies, Jesus will nevertheless grant us our requests if they are according to God’s will. We should remember that the best teaching is always done through example. [NB: This series of Bible Studies from 1981-82 is incomplete.]

Analogy of stone in pond Anchor Bible Certainty Collecting taxes Condemnatory righteousness Effects of sin fasting Faith Felt need to overcome Forgiveness of sin Healing Herald Lame. weak , and sinners Matthew Message from a king Messiah New cloth on an old garment New wine into old wine skins Overcoming Pharisees Psychosomatic conditions Publican Scattered Sense of urgency Sin Son of David Superstition Tax collector Teaching: making a message practical Teaching and preaching Two blind men Wedding reception What the eye sees is what the heart feels Woman with an issue of blood

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