The gospel results in freedom. That’s what we’re going to find again and again in the book of Galatians. In fact, the word “gospel” appears more in the short 6 chapters of this epistle (or letter) than in any other New Testament book. It’s the same for the word “free.” The gospel means “Good News” but that Good News comes in response to some very bad news. What is the bad news you ask? Let me tell you: by nature you are separated by God and no amount of human effort can bring you back to him. And it gets worse: because he is the giver of life, your separation is going to result in death. This is all very bad. But maybe you’re thinking, “could I work really hard to win God’s favor back? Is there a religious path that will save me?” The answer to that is also a negative. Not looking too good as far as humans making it out of this world alive.
Now for the good news: God freely offers eternal life and payment for your sins in the sinless life and substitutionary death of Jesus. I know, I know. You’re thinking, “it’s too good to be true.” And it does seem that way on the surface. But that’s what Paul wanted to remind these young churches in the area then called “Galatia.” Human nature is such that we have a hard time accepting free gifts, we’re hell-bent on trying to pay for what is free. We need reminders. Let’s dive deep into this short letter to the young Church and “ponder anew what the Almighty can do, when by His love he befriends us” (lyrics from “Praise to the Lord” by Joachim Neander, 1680ad).
One Sacrifice
(Galatians 1:1-5, September 10 2023, 34 Minutes, Audio / Video)
One Gospel
(Galatians 1:6-10, September 17 2023, 36 Minutes, Audio / Video)
One Author
(Galatians 1:11-24, September 24 2023, 34 Minutes, Audio / Video)
One Church (GUEST: Jamie Leahey)
(Galatians 2:1-10, October 1 2023, 36 Minutes, Audio / Video)
One Justifier
(Galatians 2:11-21, October 8 2023, 44 Minutes, Audio / Video)
One Faith
(Galatians 3:1-9, October 15 2023, 28 Minutes, Audio Only)
One Seed
(Galatians 3:10-22, October 22 2023, 41 Minutes, Audio / Video)
One Covering
(Galatians 3:23-29, November 12 2023, 43 Minutes, Audio / Video)
One Heir
(Galatians 4:1-11, November 19 2023, 34 Minutes, Audio / Video)
One Way
(Galatians 4:12-20, November 26 2023, 33 Minutes, Audio / Video)
ADVENT: One Joy
(Galatians 4:21-5:1, December 3 2023, 38 Minutes, Audio / Video)
ADVENT: One Hope
(Galatians 5:2-6, December 10 2023, 31 Minutes, Audio / Video)
ADVENT: One Love
(Galatians 5:7-15, December 17 2023, 34 Minutes, Audio / Video)
One Spirit
(Galatians 5:16-25, January 14 2024, 41 Minutes, Audio / Video)
One Another’s
(Galatians 5:26-6:10, January 28 2024, 41 Minutes, Audio / Video)
One Boast
(Galatians 6:11-18, February 4 2024, 33 Minutes, Audio / Video)