Chapter by Chapter!

By Dr. Alice Maria Crawford | April 19, 2018

For the next few days we are going to look at the book of Galatians, choosing one verse from each chapter per day. The Apostle Paul in writing to the church in Galatia could have been speaking to us in the church today. Whereas the topic of contention may not be circumcision, there is still a contention between legalism and laissez faire, often referred to as liberty. I challenge you to read and re-read the book of Galatians and then as Paul did seek God for answers.

So I greet you with the great words, grace and peace! We know the meaning of those words because Jesus Christ rescued us from this evil world we’re in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins. God’s plan is that we all experience that rescue…

Then I began my ministry in the regions of Syria and Cilicia. After all that time and activity I was still unknown by face among the Christian churches in Judea. There was only this report: "That man who once persecuted us is now preaching the very message he used to try to destroy." Their response was to recognize and worship God because of me! Galatians 1: selected verses (MSG)

The Galatians knew that Paul when he had come to them to preach the message of Christ and Him crucified that its’ emphasis was, "it is by grace that we are saved through faith, and not of ourselves". This was the message he preached, and at this writing this message was now being corrupted by those who sought to "add more to it". Paul was an itinerant preacher, known only a "that man who once persecuted" the church, was now "preaching the very message he used to try to destroy it". HIs fame spread because those believers who heard of this glorified God, for they knew only God can change a heart. How did the question arise that a conversion of the heart was not enough, that there needed to be a conversion of the flesh (circumcision) as well?