Galatians
In the fall of 2023 through winter of 2024, we will be working our way through the book of Galatians. Arguably, no book of the Bible is as “pure gospel” (i.e., good news) like this letter. Therefore, it’s not surprising that it’s repeatedly been the source of revival and renewal throughout the history of the church. Martin Luther said: “The Epistle to the Galatians is my epistle, to which I have wedded myself. It is my Katharina Von Bora.” If I am to understand the wit of his wife Katie (Katharina), I am sure that this made her smile.
The message of Galatians cuts through our religious and moral pretensions, leaving us both terrified before God’s law and tender before His grace. This tenderness leads us back to the cross, where we see, not only the seriousness of sin (Christ died under our curse), but also the absolute freeness of His grace (Christ loved me and gave Himself to set me free). Experiencing this dual reality transforms our hearts in a radical way—much more deeply than mere moral seriousness or laxity.
The great 19th century London preacher Charles Spurgeon summed up the heart of Galatians this way: “Christ first, me last: nothing between but love.” I can’t think of any message more helpful for our trouble hearts and these troubled times! We need a fresh vision of God’s justice and mercy. We need the gospel of grace!
Special thanks to Anna Kaye Schulte for the sermon series artwork!
The message of Galatians cuts through our religious and moral pretensions, leaving us both terrified before God’s law and tender before His grace. This tenderness leads us back to the cross, where we see, not only the seriousness of sin (Christ died under our curse), but also the absolute freeness of His grace (Christ loved me and gave Himself to set me free). Experiencing this dual reality transforms our hearts in a radical way—much more deeply than mere moral seriousness or laxity.
The great 19th century London preacher Charles Spurgeon summed up the heart of Galatians this way: “Christ first, me last: nothing between but love.” I can’t think of any message more helpful for our trouble hearts and these troubled times! We need a fresh vision of God’s justice and mercy. We need the gospel of grace!
Special thanks to Anna Kaye Schulte for the sermon series artwork!