March 5, 2023
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Galatians? Here’s today’s reading:
Galatians 1 (NIV)
1 Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers and sisters with me,
To the churches in Galatia:
Next: Galatians 2
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Back: Psalms 90-91
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The amazing transformation Paul had in his life literally transformed every word and action of his life. His passion for the Words of God come through so strongly and to have felt that life transforming power he is amazed that people would so quickly turn away from God. He had no care for pleasing man with his words, no desire for fame or fortune, in fact he knew his words would frequently put him at odds and in danger from man but his passion could not be contained. He needed to teach and help people to turn from their sinful nature that he once knew himself and experience the life changing power of the love of God even to those who seem so undeserving!
This reading correlated with todays sermon. God was inside Paul and the gospels he preached came directly from God. I think that Paul was trying to have the believers connect with Jesus to feel His presence and spread His word.
Can’t imagine some group coming to us now and telling of any other way to our relationship with God. As Paul says. It is no gospel at all. Nothing at all compares to the freedom we have in Jesus. And know one or any group is going to take that away. Nothing better in this life. Since the moment I met Christ, I have not, nor will I look back. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free!! Free from sin. And laws and regulations. The chains are gone!!!!There’s no way anyone is taking that away!!!!
Galatians 1
The book of Galatians is a good book to teach about law and grace. Paul in chapter 1 is warning the believers not to listen to anyone whether they are angels or anyone else that teaches a different gospel. Apparently the believers started to think that the law could save them. When it was by God`s grace alone. Ephesians 2 ; 8,9. This is so true today where many churches have gone astray from the clear teaching of Christ. We have to be so on guard about not allowing false teaching in our church. Thank God for Pastor Peter and our leaders. This is why we should be praying for Pastor and our leaders in our church. We need to stay true to the word of God. There are also many churches that only teach the New testament. You have to have the foundation of the Old testament. When you leave out Genesis or teach that it is only stories and not true history we are failing our children and grandchildren. For example the fall of man, the trinity, blood atonement[ Genesis 3;15, marriage[man and woman], Creation in 6 days, 1 day of rest, the flood over the whole earth, one race , two genders, and so much more. Only in God`s word can we find the answers to life`s problems. In preaching Christ why would anyone believe the gospel when they think the bible has make believe stories etc. But in fact they are true and science actually confirms the bible. We need to be teaching our children and grandchildren correctly.
Amen Dennis! And you are welcome and absolutely right!
“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”
I cannot help but to have grave concerns about “other gospels” or “perverted gospels” that are prevalent whether “gospels” more liberal or more legalistic. I even think of some aspects of belief that are founded on traditional interpretations of the Bible and when I research them, I find that they are not consistent with the Gospel or God’s word.
In Galatians 2, Paul receives the acceptance of many of the Apostles (James, Peter and John). Most encouraging to me here is the way the disagreement about circumcision was handled. Paul presents his case that we are justified (Jew or Gentile) only by faith in Jesus Christ. No aspect of the law, including circumcision, is necessary for our justification. Although it does not say that Peter immediately agreed, Paul did remain in fellowship with the Apostles, which says something.
There’s a huge difference between man’s ‘made up’ word and Gods gospel. Stay the course with the true gospel. Jesus Christ is all that matters and in him rests our salvation!
So true, Sue….particularly in light of those two ladies that visited the church a few weeks ago!
We would be hard pressed to find someone who dedicated themselves more to the gospel of Jesus Christ than the apostle Paul. And here he defends that same gospel in various ways. One is to reenforce the purity of it. There is only one true gospel and that is faith in the work of Jesus and not mixing it or replacing it with the work of man, to do that really is no gospel at all. Second, he speaks of drastic consequences for someone preaching a different gospel….he even repeats it twice! Third, he points to it’s divine source. He spends quite a bit of the chapter talking about the fact that he didn’t consult any person about the gospel, but it was revealed to Him by God. He spent plenty of time alone in the beginning in fact. And finally, he points to his own conversion. What is more convincing of the truth and the nature of the gospel, than it’s greatest detractor becoming it’s greatest defender and promoter? We too are glad for Paul and the work He did in defending the purity of the gospel. May we do it justice by keeping it pure ourselves.
Galatians 1
Galatians 1
Galatians 1. Excited to study Galations again after learning it was Martin Luther’s favorite.
Paul says twice to make the point that anyone who is preaching a gospel different that the one he preached to them is so wrong that it could not be even be called the gospel. He goes on to say that servants of Christ are not in the business of pleasing people. We are to stand firm in our faith in God’s word and the gospel message, not allowing ourselves to be influenced by the viewpoints of people who negate it. And to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15