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TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.

(354) 21 December : Proverbs 19v16 / Galatians 1-2 / Psalm 79v5-7

BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
Nothing could be more serious than turning people away from the true saving gospel. This letter was written to a church in a region of modern day Turkey around 50AD. And it was written to counter just that. People were teaching that in addition to faith in Christ, Christians needed to observe Jewish customs like circumcision if they were to be "justifed" - which is to be declared righteous and so acceptable to God and one of his people (see 2v3, 4v10). In contrast, Paul taught that through faith in Christ, a righteous standing is given as a gift. Although true Christians will seek to live for God, their status before him is not therefore dependent on works of the law, whether customs or commands. He seeks to settle the matter by stressing that this message wasn't his own, but was received by revelation from Jesus himself, and was affirmed by the other apostles. But he adds that even Peter compromised under the pressure of the false teachers, by starting to treat Gentiles (non-Jewish Christians) as if they were somehow unclean before God and not fully his people. Two things are brought home then: First, is that we really can trust the gospel Paul will be outlining in this and coming letters. Second, is that because all Christians are equally acceptable to God, we should treat one-another equally. As you read note how Paul affirms his gospel.
Galatians 1-2

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.