It is unlikely that we are going to find ourselves in exactly the same boat as the Galatian church. The issue of circumcision is unlikely to come up in our churches. So, what does the application of Galatians 2 have to do with us? I asked the question at our Life Group one evening and… Continue reading Exclusion
Tag: The Gospel
Saving Titus
One of the striking things in Galatians 2 is the pivotal role that Titus plays in the drama. Titus is part of Paul’s team and he goes to Jerusalem with him. Paul tells us that Titus is not compelled to be circumcised. We can skim read it as an incidental extra but actually, the point… Continue reading Saving Titus
One Gospel only
Here are my notes from a sermon I preached a few years back on Galatians 1:6-2:10. I think it may have been for Nueva Vida. Introduction Nakhi Wells –footballer offered better deal at rival club –seen as a traitor How do we know that a better religious offer is not out there? Christian faith may… Continue reading One Gospel only
Transfer window?
As I write, the football season has just finished and it’s now the transfer period. Lot’s of football players will be on the look out for a better offer. Some will be willing to abandon a club that they’ve played for over many seasons, that has looked after them well and where they’ve enjoyed the… Continue reading Transfer window?
What is the Gospel?
Paul’s big concern for the Galatian church was that they risked being captured by a different Gospel. The other day, I wrote something about this and observed that if we are to avoid falling for different, false Gospels, then we need to know what the true Gospel is. Now, we might assume that the answer… Continue reading What is the Gospel?
A different Gospel
You get the impression that Paul is writing in a hurry when he sends his letter to the Galatians. Not for them, a lengthy introduction with prayers of praise and descriptions of what they are doing well. Paul gets straight down to business, identifying the problem in the church. 6 I am astonished that you are so… Continue reading A different Gospel
Summing up the message of Isaiah
The message of Isaiah can be summed up as follows. First, that we are rebel sinners. We have been unfaithful to God and chosen idolatry over worship and trust in him. Isaiah warns us that we will become like our idols, impotent, hardened, powerless, ignorant. Secondly, the consequence of sin and idolatry is God’s righteous… Continue reading Summing up the message of Isaiah
The whole Christmas story
A few weeks back, Glen Scrivener commented on twitter to the effect that the Gospel was the best story, it was complete, incomparable, unbeatable. There was general agreement with this although some asked whether he would concede that the prequel found in the Old Testament came pretty close and was essential to the strength of… Continue reading The whole Christmas story
What’s worse: consumer Christianity or self-reliant Christianity?
A friend of mine asked this question recently. I think it’s a really good question to consider. He later gave a bit more of an explanation about what he meant by self-reliant Christianity. He was describing those who become so buy in church life and ministry that they forget our ongoing dependence on Christ’s grace… Continue reading What’s worse: consumer Christianity or self-reliant Christianity?
Is it possible to divorce and then marry again?
After Jesus has been challenged by the Pharisees about Divorce in Mark 10:1-9, his disciples quiz him further. This is Mark’s summary of the conversation. 10 Later, when he was alone with his disciples in the house, they brought up the subject again. 11 He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery against her. 12 And… Continue reading Is it possible to divorce and then marry again?