Slideshow image

Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, I took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them that were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, of had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 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: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue in you. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepeth no man's person:) for they seemed to be somewhat in conference adding nothing to me. But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrougtht effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

 

Ten verses written by Paul to the Galatians with pure intent to keep them in the true faith. Paul clearly states the folly of this group of people to even considering anything other than the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. To deviate from the gospel is to tarnish the truth of Christ. Paul also gives his credentials so they too will know that he is an apostille equal to those that were part of the original twelve. He had three years of instruction from the Lord in the wilderness. Paul came back a changed man.

Many people these days will try to show a different gospel to each and every one of us. The devil does this, so we are confused and have doubts. But God is constant in our lives, and he does all things in our lives. However, we have the choice of reason and that can get in the way of being swayed to start to be enticed to listen to something that seems acceptable to us in our way of thinking. Yes, God gave us this and at times we all have abused it. This is where Paul had a dispute with Peter about the gospel. And still Peter was with Jesus when he went to preach at the Gentile areas in Israel. Paul shows us that we are heirs and co-heirs to the promise that God gave to Abraham through Christ Jesus.

Lord, give us strength in our lives that we are not swayed by another type of gospel. Keep us true the faith. Amen!

Russ Nixon

rwnixon57@yahoo.com