Category Archives: grace
but God’s grace
Ephesians 2. We were lost, but God’s grace has saved us! We were dead in trespasses and sins, but God’s grace has made us alive together with Christ (1-5). We were incapable of bringing glory to God, but God’s grace … Continue reading
Posted in adoption, dependence upon God, grace, relationship with God, the cross
Tagged Ephesians 2
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to the praise of his glorious grace
Ephesians 1. The hope of a slave, living in Ephesus in the first century was that he might somehow win his redemption and become part of the great and powerful society in which he was a mere servant. A significant … Continue reading
boasting in the cross
Galatians 6. Paul was motivated by what Christ did for the Galatians on the cross. He said “far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified … Continue reading
being led by the Spirit
Galatians 5:16-26. Paul tells the Galatians to walk by the Spirit. That means letting the Holy Spirit be the controlling power in their motivations, and the deciding influence in their actions. That is being led by the Spirit (18), which … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, grace, Holy Spirit, sanctification, will of God
Tagged Galatians 5
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choosing God on his terms
Galatians 4. You and I have to make the same choice as the Galatians did. We can decide to do our best, and hope that God accepts it. That is the choice of Hagar, of Ishmael, of the letter, of … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, dependence upon God, faith, grace, Holy Spirit, the cross
Tagged Galatians 4
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when pride took over
Galatians 4. What turned these victors in to victims? It was pride. Yes, that’s right… pride. In verse 17, Paul says “They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may … Continue reading
the gospel of the promise
Galatians 3:15-29. The Galatians were being tempted to turn to the Mosaic Law and the Jewish traditions. Paul is telling them here that they do not have to do that because God is already their heavenly Father. They are in … Continue reading
the gospel of redemption
Galatians 3:10-14. Remember that Paul is dealing with the challenge of a false teaching in Galatians. The “troublers” from Jerusalem have convinced the Gentile Galatians that they need to add obedience to the Mosaic law (as defined by Jewish tradition) … Continue reading
Posted in forgiveness, gospel, grace, Holy Spirit, redemption, sanctification, spiritual gifts
Tagged Galatians 3
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the gospel preached to Abraham
Galatians 3:1-9. Abraham’s story was also a story of forgiveness… yes, I said forgiveness.God had originally wanted the entire human race to be his representatives – his children. But sin marred God’s creation and made it impossible for any human … Continue reading
in step with the gospel
Galatians 2:11-14. When he encountered Peter’s hypocrisy, Paul could have done the same thing Peter did, claiming Peter’s authority. That would have been the easy thing to do. But there was a lot at stake here. It was not just … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discernment, grace, hypocrisy, repentance, sanctification, witness
Tagged Galatians 2
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Devotions 