Monday, November 25, 2013

November 25 – Galatians 4-6

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Galatians 4-6. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.
Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

In our reading plan we have come to the book of Galatians. This is the first book we see written by the Apostle Paul. This however was not originally a book but a letter. Paul was the first to carry the Gospel to the churches of Galatia … Galatia was a region not a city. Now the church is facing some difficult times … many theological. People have come in preaching and teaching a false doctrine of following Jesus. Not only that, but they are still bombarded by Jews who are trying to destroy the church. In the midst of these false teachings, they also have the Gentile worship of their land to fight off and turn away from. There is definitely confusion taking place.

Paul is writing to them to encourage them and to teach them. In chapter four Paul solicits an emotion and memory that he holds dear … “Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then?” (Galatians 4:15 NLT) Paul reminds them of the joy and spirit they had when he first came and preached the message of Jesus and they accepted. Somehow in someway they have let that slip away.

As I look at the church too often I feel the same thing has happened to many Christians. They initially found joy in Christ and the new relationship that they begun with Him. They felt relief from the burdens they carried around. They felt a new lease on life. They were on fire. The spirit of God was overwhelming them in a really amazing way. But somewhere along the way that joy evaporated.

As followers of Christ we have the greatest reason to find joy. We have been saved through the blood of Jesus! We have reason to be joyful to know that this world is not our home. Sure there will be moments of frustration, worry, doubt, and struggle. But those emotions should not dominate our lives. Our lives should be filled with joy and that joy should radiate for all to see!


Let me ask you, be honest with yourself, would people see joy in your heart and life through a simple encounter with you?

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