We return to the NT with Paul’s book of Galatians. It’s all about the gospel of grace that annuls our sin! The thing most needed in these uncertain days.
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 – the same one 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. Ministry in this knowledge is a necessity through these uncertain days. A phone call, text or comment online could be the very thing the Lord blesses with His Holy Spirit to keep people encouraged.
2. 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’s point is why would we then listen to others who say we need to do more to enter heaven? This logic Paul calls another gospel which Paul says is evil. He says let such a false messenger be cursed, 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.
3. 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? Go to it. The gospel of grace which defeats sin must be central however in that calling, this is Paul’s message and should be ours also.
4. Paul returned to Jerusalem spent time with Peter for fifteen days and 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 ministry at CBC.
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.
Sermon:-“Building in times of trouble” – Ezra 5:1-5
a. Do you recall some of the historical context of the book of Ezra. What had happened to the people of Judah and why were they having to rebuild the temple?
b. When spiritual work is attempted, Satan is never happy with the workers. What were some of the reasons the work had stopped for 20 years from 536BC to 516BC? How did the work begin again and who were the 2 prophets that encouraged it to restart?
c. Jay said the church in the west is not in a very healthy sate. Do you agree with him? Why/Why not? In your answer discuss the purpose of the church as the bride of Christ and how the bride is to worship in Spirit and in truth. Consider what this looks like as you discuss John 16:8-11.
d. What are you doing or what can you do to build up the body of Christ at CBC? Pray for the gospel and our strategy as well as our upcoming information session (28th May) and community day Sat 24th June.
Prayer Points
1. Continue to pray and Andy in Ipswich hospital and for Sally as she continues to battle Alzheimer’s. Give thanks for Andy’s brother Tad and a loving husband and example of Christ – Richard.
2. The processing of our insurance claim and the repurchasing of equipment.
3. That those who are new to the church are encouraged and settle in well into the church.
4. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you saved.
5. Pray for Kids@church and our Youth group.
6. Pray for Chuwar Youth and Jarrod’s ministry. Pray as he meets with youth at Westside, every week as well as the growing young adults ministry.
7. How you can serve in ministry this year.
8. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. The blessing of our Mother’s Day event on Saturday. Big thanks to Suzanne Willey and many other women who made the day a success. A special mention to Katelyn Gillert who was a great blessing in sharing on her role as a mother as well as a daughter.
2. Young adult’s ministry is growing – keep praying as Jarrod develops this ministry.
3. Kids@Church and Youth ministries are a great blessing. Pray for Rosie and Jarrod as they start out for term 2.
4. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Church information session 28th May after the morning service.
2. Remember to check your duty rosters for term 2.
3. Community Day Saturday 24th June at Church. More details to follow.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for May...
Q. 8. Who are they? A. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Bible References – Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; Jude 20-21.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
