As Paul wrote to a diverse group in churches in Galatia. Multiple cultures, backgrounds, and races could be found in the area and in the churches. The possibility of division crept around every corner. Paul pointed his readers to the unity found in Christ within His explanation that salvation is offered to all who commit their lives to Christ. In chapters 3 and 4, we find at least three common grounds for this diverse group to believers. A Common Faith: Prior to Christ, the law served as a ... Read More
3 Dangers of Legalism (Session 3 – Galatians 3:1-14)
Paul and Barnabas travelled to the cities of Galatia, preaching the gospel of salvation by faith in Christ (Acts 13). God blessed their work. Many new believers were won to Jesus. New churches were started. Then something tragic happened. Whenever God is moving in a powerful way in the church, Satan will always work to disrupt and destroy. So it was among the churches of Galatia. Legalists quickly infiltrated the churches, teaching a salvation of faith plus works (see Acts 15:1). Legalism ... Read More
3 Enemies of Grace (Session 2, Gal. 2:11-21)
You have no enemies, you say? Alas! my friend, the boast is poor; He who has mingled in the fray of duty, that the brave endure, Must have made foes! If you have none, Small is the work that you have done. — Charles Mackay (1814–1889), Scottish poet and journalist Strange as it may seem, grace has enemies. Its enemies are often silent and subtle, yet dangerously lethal. Marvelous, matchless grace expresses itself boldly as love, ... Read More
Why Introductions Matter (Session 1 – Galatians 1:1-10)
Most of us introduce ourselves differently in different settings. We may introduce ourselves in relation to who our spouse is (hello, I’m Lisa’s husband) or who our children are (hello, I’m Bethany’s dad). We may choose to introduce ourselves in relation to where we work, what we do, or what we once did. We are trying to give the person a reference point, but we may also be trying to frame the conversation and establish why we should be heard. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, his introduction ... Read More
3 Reasons God Disciplines Us (Session 13 — 2 Samuel 24:10-25)
Have you noticed this recurring theme in 2 Samuel? Sin brings consequences. Always. God’s discipline of His sinful people is a theme that extends beyond 2 Samuel and the life of David. The Book of Proverbs admonishes: “Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son, and do not loathe his discipline” (Prov. 3:11). The next verse explains the reason behind the exhortation: “for the Lord disciplines the one he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights” (Prov. 3:12). The ... Read More
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