There is an old spiritual with words probably most of us are familiar with: “Give me that old time religion/give me that old time religion/give me that old time religion/it’s good enough for me.” It goes on to say stanzas like “It was good for my old mother” and “It was good for my old father” and “It was good for Paul and Silas.” While I’m pretty sure I know what they are saying, I really don’t want that old time religion. In my mind, the “good old days” weren’t really the “good old days.” But I also sarcastically will ask if that means we have to go back to using King Jimmy. 🙂
Many people today don’t like the message of the Gospel. They think it is too confining, too stifling, too narrow. Of course, if people understood the Gospel is not a set of rules and regulations but the simple truth that God loves them and sent His Son to die for them in their place, it might/might not change their perspective.
But then again, there are those who want to change the Gospel to say what they want it to say. I’m not going to beat that dead horse here. It was no different in Paul’s day. He called for all who wanted to say salvation was found in the Law to be publicly excoriated and change course. He said it rather strongly in Galatians 1:8. He was so convinced of the error and danger of these people he even repeated his warning in verse 9. Taking it one step further he said it was a distortion, a different gospel.
This Sunday I will be continuing my series in Galatians on “Freedom!” The Scripture passage will include what I have blogged about here: Galatians 1:3-10. If you are within driving distance I invite you to come. If not, I invite you to listen to the podcast. If you can do neither, I invite you to pray. Thanks.
Your words brought to mind the struggle of Martin Luther against the “powers” of the church. How could folks read the New Testament and come away with such a wild distortion of Jesus? I will be praying for you tomorrow during my devotional time.
His struggle against the established church is real and intense. It certainly baffles me when people read the NT and come away with a convoluted idea of who Jesus is.
I’m teaching through 1 John right now, and what you said here reminds me about what John says there. He tells believers that what they heard from the beginning (the teaching of the apostles) is the truth and is all they need. Those who add to that or take away from that are deceiving them. And the thrust of the passage is that the message is really pretty simple – it’s the truth they already have. That’s all they need!
John is a good book to study on the truth. He minces no words. And it is true: the message is pretty simple.
Considering I just came back from from an Intro to Theology class where we talked about these very issues (and the importance to know what we believe, so we can stay away from falling to heresies – and from creating those), your post is a good reminder.
Praying for people in your Church on Sunday to really HEAR what you’re saying… or, rather, what God will be saying through you.
Love you, brother!
Glad I can fall in with your studies Zee. I am taking a cue from your prof. 🙂 But it is important to know what to believe. Thanks for your prayers.
Do you do podcasts??? – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Yes I do. Go to ovcf.org and it will be posted Sunday almost immediately after it is done. The link will be in the left hand margin. Thanks for asking.
I’ll be praying, Bill, and trust you’ll make the podcast available here. 🙂 Blessings!
See my reply to Gingi’s comment for the link Martha. Thanks for your prayers.
Thanks, Bill!
I’m honored you would want to listen.
Hi Bill! How do I get a podcast of your sermon? I’d love to hear you, and your message.
Personally, I do not prefer the ‘King Jimmy’, but some do. The language is a barrier for me. I like the later translations that are a smoother read. The words shouldn’t get in the way of the message!
Best of blessings on your weekend message. I’ll check back here to see how to get that podcast.
Blessings,
Ceil
I agree about the words not getting in the way. I use the ESV and really like its accuracy and readability. Thanks for your prayers for this weekend. I gave Gingi the way to get the podcast. If you have any trouble just ask.
Preach it, Bill. Break the chains, oh Lord!
That is the kind of prayers which are needed.
Thank you for the wonderful invite!
You’re welcome Deb. Good to hear from you.
Planning a Sunday afternoon listening to your sermon. Praying.
I’m humbled by this Betty. Thanks.
Great stuff, Bill!
Keep at it, brother!
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If anyone is interested on checking out what Luther thought about the Book of Galatians…his “Commentary on Galatians” may be his best work out of the massive amount of volumes that he wrote.
Thanks Stephen.