We return to the NT with Paul’s book of Galatians. It’s all about the gospel of grace that annuls our sin!
Galatians1: Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle---not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead---
2 and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
No Other Gospel
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel---
7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Paul Called by God
11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.
12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.
14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,
16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.
19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother.
20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!)
21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.
23 They only were hearing it said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy."
24 And they glorified God because of me.
Things to think about…
1. Paul was called as an Apostle by God by Jesus and the Father – who raised Jesus from the dead, Gal 1:1. We are called into ministry in Christ by this same God with this same resurrection power. This resurrection power is the only authority that can raise those who are dead spiritually and give them a new name and a different eternal destiny.
2. The phrase, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”, Gal 1:3 is a typical Pauline greeting in his letters. Are you known for a phrase that typifies your heart towards others in Christ. Our words are to be seasoned with the salt of the Lord’s grace and truth, Col 4:6. Consider words that you can use that edify others and glorify God.
3. Paul doesn’t hold back here Gal 1:6-10. His message is clear, that Jesus alone saves us from our sin by His grace. Paul is effectively saying, “why would we then listen to others who say we need to do more to enter heaven?” Paul calls This logic “different gospel”, Gal 1:6 which Paul says is from people who should “be accursed”, vs 8. We must remember this when people come to our doors presenting a distorted gospel, Gal 1:7. As a preacher of truth Paul asks, “am I now seeking the approval of man, or God”, vs 10. Sometimes truth is hard to preach and perhaps harder to hear. But what can we do, the truth must and will remain, whether we like it or not.
4. Paul had a different belief system when he was a Pharisee; but he says here that the gospel he preaches came from God by revelation Gal 1:12. He said he was a recipient of God’s grace, vs 15, so that he might preach to the Gentiles – no-one else’s opinion was sought Gal 1:16. What has God called you to? I am not saying that you must not seek counsel, but if God has called you to do something, what other confirmation do you need? If it brings God glory, get to it. The gospel of grace which defeats sin must however be central in that calling, this is Paul’s message and should also be ours.
5. Paul returned to Jerusalem and spent fifteen days with Peter. He says he only saw Peter and James – the Lord’s brother, Gal 1:18, 19. Paul says that his ministry was not influenced by the Apostles or the churches of Judea. His gospel was given by direct revelation from the Lord, Acts 9:4, 5. We know Paul did study the gospel from the other Apostles, but he still knew the scriptures very well, Acts 22:3. He simply needed a season where the Holy Spirit opened his mind and eyes to what he knew in his head and have it applied to his heart. From there it was simply a matter of being obedient to Christ and to “Go and make disciples” Mt 28:19. This is of course the only way we can worship, in Spirit and in truth. Sometimes this is what is required with young zealous Christians. They need a season of mentoring and learning before they are placed in any formal ministry. Pray for those that are being trained in the church.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer Points
1. The response to America, Israel and the situation with Iran.
2. A Worship Coordinator.
3. The continued Russia/Ukraine conflict.
4. Pray for new people to step into ministries at CBC – eg worship, café, sound/technical, giving, podcast.
5. Reform and Revival over our city.
6. Finances to cover our needs
7. Pray for PlayPatch, Kids church, Creche and Kids Hope at Karalee State school.
8. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. First Podcast completed – Thanks Alex
2. Worship leader may be close to being called to CBC. Pray for the leadership as we confirm the position.
3. The Lord’s grace over our lives and country
4. Café, music, kids church, admin, sound and technical team every week
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Ministries this week. Life groups, Kids@Church, Kids Hope - Karalee.
2. PlayPatch 1-5yos, Fridays 9:30am at church.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for June...
Q. 33. Who can change a sinner's heart? A. The Holy Spirit alone.
