Encounter: Read through the first 3 chapters of the letter to the Galatians. Underline the words faith and law. In a journal write down the statements made that included these words; faith in one column and law in the other.
Throughout my life as I have sought to live out my faith, there were times when I have fallen into what I call “theological potholes.” I can gather them altogether and put them under one theme. “Jesus is not enough.” Whether it was a new church we went to, or a pastor’s teaching or a book that a friend said I had to read, there were voices that told me it was Jesus and______________. Maybe you can fill in your own blank. This was the message new gentile believers were getting from some of the Jewish people who were seemingly following the way of Jesus. Paul’s concern was swift and passionate! If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed. (Gal. 1:9) This is serious.
I love how he writes to the Galatians and in his greeting (no messin’ around) makes the Good News clear and simple from the beginning. Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from the evil world in which we live. All glory to God forever and every! Amen. (Gal 1:3-5)
There are forces that would want us to believe that we must add something to the Good News. There’s too much grace, too much freedom they say. And these voices sound like a call back to bondage, back to Egypt, back to what is familiar to those who have yet to experience the fullness of his grace, peace and power.
This week I heard the worship song, Thank God, Jesus is. And I was like, YES! This is it, it's simple, he is sufficient, Jesus is enough! So I thank God for these…
I remember when I thought there was only one christian church that had the truth…
Thank God, Jesus is
I remember when I thought eating certain foods made me more godly than others…
Thank God, Jesus is
I remember when I thought women were not allowed to be leaders and pastors in the church…
Thank God, Jesus is
I remember when educating my child in a certain way made me feel better than others…
Thank God, Jesus is
I remember when I thought only healthy things grow, sin does too
Thank God, Jesus is
I remember when a certain church wanted me to sign a list of their doctrines in order to belong…
Thank God, Jesus is
I remember when I thought as long as I followed Jesus nothing bad would happen to my family…
Thank God, Jesus is
I remember when I thought if I could be accepted by a certain group of people my ministry would be validated
Thank God, Jesus is
I remember when I thought if I knew Greek and Hebrew then I would know everything:)
Thank God, Jesus is
I remember when I thought my fears meant I had a weak faith…
Thank God, Jesus is
I remember thinking everyone else had more faith than me…
Thank God, Jesus is
I remember when I struggled to believe in the midst of pain, suffering and grief…
Thank God, Jesus is
I remember when I had no hope…
Thank God, Jesus is
Take some time writing your list and then sit with God, click on this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LvVnDtO57w
and worship with a full heart of thanks because Jesus is!
See you in worship,
Pastor T
Reflect: Legalism is an overemphasis on the efforts of a person to keep to a certain set of rules or “law.” Have you ever lived as though your relationship with God depended on the rules you kept or has your faith been the basis from which you live?
Spiritual Practice: Lectio Divina is a meditative reading of scripture. Write down in a notebook or journal a short passage out of Galatians chapter 3. Read through 3 times. The first time underline words or phrases that seem to shimmer. The second time asking God is there something in this that pertains to my life. The third time asking God is there a specific invitation to do something with what you received.
Gather: In your small group, talk about what you discovered in your spiritual practice of Lectio Divina.
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