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. Encouraging some in this knowledge is a necessity in this world that never seems to stay the same. 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 clear message is that Jesus saves us from our sin by grace alone. Says if that’s the case why would we then listen to others who say we need to do more to enter heaven? This is another gospel, which Paul says is evil. He says let such a false messenger be cursed, vs 8. As a preacher of truth he asks “am I now seeking the approval of man, or God”, vs 10. Sometimes truth is hard to preach and hard 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 now says 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 over sin must be central however in that calling, this is Paul’s message.
4. Paul returned to Jerusalem for fifteen days and only saw Peter and James – the Lord’s brother, Gal 1:18, 19. Paul is saying here his ministry was not influenced by the Apostles or the churches of Judea. His gospel was given by direct revelation from the Lord. As a former Pharisee we know Paul did study and he knew the scriptures very well. 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 our Lord, in Spirit and in truth, John 4:24.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “Believers and their dodgy beliefs” from 2 Chronicles 25
1. The description given to Abijah in 1 Kings 15:1-3 is not very flattering, yet we see the Lord bless his faith and obedience. Amaziah in 2Chr 25 however seems to be a far less faithful character yet the Lord says “he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not with a whole heart”, vs 2. Why? What does it have to do with us?
2. Amaziah ad 25 years in the wilderness. What caused it? Have you been in a wilderness? What caused it?
3. Amaziah was murdered by a conspiracy, but went to heaven – he knew the Lord. Discuss how Romans 5:20, 21 applies to you.
4. The Apostle Peter knew what it was to stumble and fall. Discuss Peter’s life and what he wrote in 1 Pet 2:22-25.
Prayer Points
1. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
2. Pray for new people as they settle into life at CBC.
3. Upcoming Australian elections – pray for the Lord’s choice of MP’s.
4. Continue to pray for the flood clean-up as well as the money donated to help.
5. Folk sick with Covid – relief and healing.
6. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Worship on Sunday – thankyou team.
2. The rain this week and the inevitable flooding in NSW and QLD.
3. More visitors to CBC over the weekend.
4. God’s word affecting people for Christ
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Members meeting 22nd May (this Sunday) after the service.
2. Remember to check your duty rosters.
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 question for May...
Q. 3. Will Christ come again? A. Yes; at the last day Christ will come to judge the world.
