Galatians: “The Gospel of Grace”

Galatians 1:1-2 (NASB-U) Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), [2] and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Written by Paul In 42 AD “Vital Christianity” After 1st Missionary Journey: “Gentile Dogs” joining “What is Christianity?” The Judiazers: “Paul only told part…” Still need circumcision, Mosaic Law, etc.

Galatians 1:3-5 (NASB-U) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. “Paul’s” Message: simple! Rescue: Every “age” has its evil All ages share a common evil: alienation from God. By Jesus Christ: What He did for us. He paid for our sins. God is So Totally Cool! His plan His cost His message to you!

Galatians 1:6-7 (NASB-U) Matthew 23:27-28 (NASB-U) "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. [28] So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. Exchanging Grace for LAW! The Intimidation Factor You must see change in order to be “Christian” ! “Too much freedom is a dangerous thing” “Cheap Grace!” “What we need is more rules around here!” Leads to Fakery, Pressure and Failure

Total Freedom: the Christian Message Ephes. 2:8-9 (NASB-U) For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Legalist’s Version For by WORKS you have been saved through SELF-EFFORT; and IT IS of yourselves, it is NOT the gift of God; it IS a result of works, so that WE ALL CAN BOAST.

Total Freedom: the Christian Message But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. Galatians 2:4 (NASB-U) You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? [2] This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? [3] Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Galatians 3:1-3 (NASB-U) Spirit or Law: Either / Or, not Both / And

Galatians 1:8-9 (NASB-U) PíÜèåìá ! But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! So Dogmatic! But it’s not Paul who is dogmatic. Has God spoken? The Problem with “Cafeteria Religion”: God may have a different viewpoint Custodians of Grace: an awesome responsibility Cannot Back Down… Cannot Lose Courage… Speak Out! PíÜèåìá !

In Christianity, “salvation” is obtained by (in %): Courtesy Barna Research www.barnaresearch.org

A Final Question or Two: Does God Exist? Where Do You Stand With Him? Hopefully, not on the basis of your good works! He wants a relationship with you based on His grace towards you.