“Just as We Are!” Galatians 2:1-10

Note: anytime the church discovers freedom in Christ, legalist will quickly form an effort to arrest it!

There is a true story of two farmers named Paul and Oscar in Valley View, Alberta Canada. They shared property line; so, Paul asked Oscar about putting up… Valley View, Alberta

What a great testimony that humans are great at building fences buy lousy at building bridges!

Purpose: to see God’s greatest desire = none would perish… God’s plan to accomplish this = His people be united

I Unity is Based on the Gospel of Grace

Man took a tour of a mental hospital Man took a tour of a mental hospital. Over a hundred unstable inmates were there, but only three guards…

I Unity is Based on the Gospel of Grace A. The Gospel of Grace Stands B. The Gospel of Grace is Not Complicated

Grace is the gift of God – it is received through faith, at baptism, for good works – grace includes…

There is one way to be saved: BY grace, THROUGH faith, AT baptism, FOR good works. This affirms our greatest tool for evangelism – our unity based on God’s Word/God’s Grace

II Unity With Amazing Diversity A. The Bible Identifies Diversity

Early church had to learn to live with this reality Early church had to learn to live with this reality. They had “issues” just like we do. For example some felt strongly about observing special days…

Grace people surrender the need to control others Grace people surrender the need to control others! Instead they learn to love their brothers and sisters just as they are!

Romans 15:5-7 “Now may the God who gives perseverance grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.”

II Unity With Amazing Diversity A. The Bible Identifies Diversity B. The Bible Identifies How to Keep the Unity

Salonique Adolphe returned to his home town, Gonaives, Haiti and started “Living Waters Christian Ministry”…

Galatians 5:13 “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Caesar Malon replied, “O, Charlotte, you need to come to Jesus just as you are!” She thought about that and decided to do just that. Several years later, Charlotte Elliot wrote a hymn we often sing. It’s the song we’ll use in just a moment… Charlotte Elliott

Conclusion and Summary Dear friend, if you can make this your plea, if you can give up all the hoops, all the traditions, and simply have this one plea: “I need the blood of Jesus to wash away my sins.” Then, not only will God welcome you, but we will welcome you too.