Grace Church

Often we don’t realize how far we’ve come unless we take a pause to look back at the journey we’ve been on. My year has certainly been this way… I’ve been constantly looking at my “to do” list and often forget to look back at the “done.” When I do… “wow” is all I can say… I am amazed at all God has done for me.

It’s that same way looking at the study of Galatians. We need to take a look back and see what God has done in our lives through the study of His Word. Our theme was – Grace, Get It, Give It, Live It. What was the journey like?

Grace: Get It – Galatians 1-2
Paul reminds the Galatians that his encounter of Grace came with his personal interaction with Jesus Christ – not simply living through the lives or wisdom of others. As Leslie Bitsas commented on June 9th: “I noticed in this passage that Paul was bold and confident in the gospel he was preaching because he had personal experience with the Lord. It wasn’t something he read in a self-help book, a how-to book, or some great advice he got from a friend. Paul made room for God and God met with him…

It’s been important to allow the Lord to build the foundation of my spiritual journey… I also believe that I should not always be seeking others for the truth, but seeking God. Paul spent three years alone in ministry with God.” When we connect with God by faith, we have the Grace of his wisdom and input for our daily struggles.

Grace: Give It – Galatians 3-4
Paul argues that Jesus is the offspring of righteousness promised to Abraham, and the fulfillment of Abraham’s blessing is the fact that Jesus’ salvation is offered to the Gentiles (all people). On July 4th, Ray Hooker reminded us of the zeal revival is supposed to give us for the lost: “I remember becoming a Christian in 1972 during the height of the Jesus movement. Those who had become believers in Jesus not only looked to share their new found life but also searched to meet anyone who also was a believer… The words in this verse, which almost seem like an after thought in this passage, were how people felt and acted… I am not saying that we do not have that passion today, yet sometimes we need to be reminded lest we become complacent.” Our lives are impacted by Grace so that we can give it away!

Grace: Live It – Galatians 5-6
If Grace isn’t working practically in our lives, do we really have it… and is there a way to see if we need to cling to God more? On July 18th, Kendrick Jr. reminded us of how we can tell we need to cling to God. “The fruit of the spirit is like a check-up at the doctor. 1. Are you loving others like Christ?, 2. Are you experiencing joy in your life?, 3. Is your heart in a place of peace?, 4. Do you exercise patience with others?… ‘The cross deals a constant blow to our pride and self-reliance.’ … In our failure, God creates a need for Him. Take a spiritual check-up today. Replace self-reliance with the fruit of God’s strength and Spirit working in you.” Thus Grace is part of our practical, day-to-day life!

I hope you have enjoyed the study of Galatians. Thanks for all who contributed to the blog, and thanks for all of you who read them. May his Grace and Peace refresh you day by day!