Thursday, May 21, 2009

This is the day.

Galatians 2:1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:


Paul is here trying to teach the Galatian saints that Gentiles are not under the law. It is interesting to note here that Titus has come up to Jerusalem with Paul, and, being a Gentile, declines to be circumcised. Many people would have Christians today believe that they are still under the law. Several groups claim that worship on Saturday is still a command of God, and others believe in keeping the dietary laws of the Old Testament. I will remind us all that the Bible says if we keep the whole law, yet offend in one point we are guilty of all. Those who would keep the Sabbath, must also hold to the diet, as well as observing all of the sacrifices, while making sure to wear only that which pertains to the sex he/she is, also adding fringes to the borders of their garments, observing each feast day, stoning rebellious children, adulterers, and murderers, and holding to all the rest of the law at the same time (no more shrimp, sausage, or porkchops). It is amazing that all of these LAW KEEPERS only seem to hold to a few of the requirements.

How wonderful it is to be under God's GRACE. Yes, the Christian does have to live a moral life. However, we have been given the ultimate Sacrifice, we have been released from dietary law, we have been freed from our sin by the Blood of Jesus. Some of these Laws still apply to us in our daily lives, and have been reinforced in the New Testament, others were specifically for Israel. Thank God for the Law which stands as a schoolmaster to bring us unto Grace.

Some signs of False brethren:
I. Try to make you follow certain parts of the Bible without considering others.
II. Take the emphasis off the Blood of Jesus, and focus on the Love of Jesus.
III. Tell you there are "many ways" to heaven. (Jesus is the WAY, the truth, and the life)
IV. Try to emphasize the writings of a man/woman as equal to or above the Bible.
V. Tend to live however they want to while focusing on making you live the way they want you to. (do as I say, not as I do)

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