In ancient times there were a lot of rules for living. Most important, for our discussion, were the cleanliness laws. They covered items such as who a person might associate with and what people could properly eat, and what we needed to do to get God to hear our prayers. Then Jesus Christ came into the world and the system of laws was replaced by grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus. All the barriers between God and people had been removed.

Unfortunately, barriers appear to remain between us and God. They are different though than those previously in place. Some are incredibly high, it feels like. Where did they come from? Who is responsible? Let’s talk about it on Sunday.