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Gospel centred sermons, based on the lectionary often in advance.

May 25, 2013

Focus reading Galatians 1:1-12

I believe in Jesus. I believe that we need a Saviour. I believe that without Jesus being truly human and truly God we have no way to God. Paul believed this too. That's why he gets so grumpy with the Galatians and accuses them of abandoning the gospel. If you read on in the book and if you know the story of Acts 10-11 you will know that there was a struggle in the early church about whether people had to become Jewish in order to be followers of Jesus. I other words you are acceptable to God, if you believe in Jesus, and you obey the rules about diet, and you keep the Sabbath sacred, and if you're a male you must be circumcised! Paul rejects this. He believes (as I do) that it is saying that what saves us or connects us to God is our own effort and not God's gift. He believed as I do that this is not possible. We can only get to God because God came to us. Ideed God came to everyone, not just Jews, or men, or women, or rich, or smart people - for all. Everyone is the object of God's love. (See Gal 3:28 "all are one n Christ Jesus")

Questions for thought or reflection.

What things are we tempted to add to the gospel? (What things would we like a person who joins our church to be or do?)

What do you think about Jesus? (Is it possible to get to God without him?)