Redeemer Church Mauritius
What Galatians can Teach Us about Reading the Bible - Phil Kendon
Our series through Galatians has led us into a pattern of systematic bible reading – which is beneficial for all of life and not just for this series. Regular scripture reading has been part of my life since my early twenties. Over the years, I have read through the bible several times. While not every daily reading is a significant moment in my life, the pattern of reading the bible has definitely been one of the most significant things (if not the most significant thing) I have done to get to know God better and to grow in my faith. The bible is actually a library of books written by about 40 authors over a period spanning 1,500 to 2,000 years. It has been faithfully copied and handed down from one generation to the next so that we have a comprehensive resource that teaches us about God, and about ourselves, and how to live in this world. It is a precious and valuable resource that we can read regularly to hear the voice of God for our community and for ourselves.
Locations & Times
Redeemer Church Mauritius
Mauritius
Sunday 9:30 AM
- In stories, we see the character of God, we see the life of faith (good and bad examples), we see the practices of believers.
Galatians 2:1-3 (NIV)
Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.
- In doctrines, we learn about the teachings of God.
Galatians 3:26-28 (NIV)
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
- The Bible addresses practical Christian living.
Galatians 2:11-14 (NIV)
When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?
Galatians 5:13-15 (NIV)
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
- There is one God of the OT and the NT.
Galatians 3:8-9 (NIV)
Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
- There is a message in the Bible that is for the whole church, as well as a personal dialogue between the Christian and God.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
"Listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you." - Ezekiel 3:10
