Galatians 5

 Paul starts off with a challenge- Stand strong! Stay with me, remember my words, remember the ideas of Jesus and love. You don't need to go back to the way we were! People like the comfort of the way things used to be. There is safety and understanding of the old. New is too uncertain, too unpredictable.

Paul basically "warns" them (vv 2-4) and says, you are welcome to be circumcised, you are welcome to go back to the Laws, you are welcome to return to the old ways, but there is no way you can meet the standards that God has set- that is what Jesus was for. You can'y have a duel relationship with Jesus and the Laws- you have to pick one! Do we know people like that- want to keep the past going but also have new and different? It is hard to do!

Paul sums up much of his dialogue in Vv 5-6 when he discusses hope and grace and faith and how they work through love. 

Paul uses a race analogy in v 7. You started off strong, but then something happened? Faith is a marathon- not a sprint. I think people sometimes treat it as a sprint and then get tired and fall off the race track! When I am hiking in the Catskills- I will often say in my head- "Slow and steady wins the race." That's what faith is like! Do we know people that start off strong and full of energy, then get tired and fall away from the church? How can we help them? Paul asks what happened? Who pulled you away from Jesus? A small amount of yeast/leaven will contaminate the entire dough. In Hebrew scriptures, yeast/leaven was equated with negative values; someone in the community was spreading bad "yeast" and contaminating the whole batch. Ever have that happen in church? In life?

The Galatians are reminded (again) that being a Christians is a life of liberty and freedom (v 13) but not a free pass to do whatever. Just because we have God's grace- we don't have a free ticket to do whatever. Our actions should be of love and peace out of a desire to do good because of our faith. We still have the command- love your neighbor. That didn't go away- that was a Jesus command- that one stays! If we have faith in Jesus, then that should be our motto and our statement to judge our actions by. Paul is warming up to talk about the desires of the flesh v the fruits of the Spirit!

You have two choices- live by the Spirit or live by the desires of the flesh- you can't do both (v 16- 18). The two contradict each other. But its your choice! Then we get "the list" (vv 19- 21). As you read through "the list" keep track of the desires of the flesh that are in your life (To be honest- I can check off a few!). The desires of the flesh seem to me "me focused" centered in the individual, causes for division, fear, anger, mistrust, hate. They are used to build up walls and knock people down. Paul contrasts the desires of the flesh with the fruits of the Spirit. As you read through these,  keep track of the fruits of the Spirit  that are in your life. These seem to be other focused, centered on doing good for people, tearing down walls that divide, supporting others through compassion and love. If you have time, yesterday's (1/31/2021) message was about these fruits of the Spirit!

Paul closes this chapter saying- nail those desires of the flesh to the cross! Can you??

Have a good day. Enjoy the (more) snow! 

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Galatians 4

 Paul begins with a story about being a child (vv 1-7). Regardless of how rich your family may be, regardless of what you will inherit- you still have to follow rules. "Because I'm the dad!" is what I used to tell Morgan and Lauren...same thing here. When we "were just children" (Jewish ancestry) then we had rules to follow, but God has made the decision that we are old enough to inherit the kingdom! Interesting side note (?): in both Greek and Jewish customs, there was a definite age when children turned into adults; there was a big ceremony and the village celebrated. In Roman culture, the dad made the decision when the child was old enough (no set age). There was an annual ceremony, but all celebrated on the same day; during the celebration the boys would offer their ball and the girls would offer a doll to Apollo- signifying they were now adults and had no need for toys! Since Paul used the phrase (v 2b), "but when the children reach the age set by their fathers..." he was looking through Roman eyes, not Jewish. God decided when we were old enough to become "adults" (v 4) and gave us Jesus (our inheritance); Paul reminds us that Jesus was born human- so under the laws too!Not only were we removed from slavery to the Laws, but also then adopted as children of God (v 5). How does that make you feel? When I read those words I get a nice feeling inside! If we are children of God, then we have an intimate enough relationship with God to call God "Abba" ("Daddy") [or "Immah" ("Mommy")- my addition!] And we don't whisper it, we can cry it out if we need to (v 6)! Does it feel OK to have a mom/dad relationship with God or should there be something more formal?

Paul reminds the Jews (and the Gentiles), when you didn't know God- it was OK to live by the gods- but just remember- they aren't real! Only God is real! And if  you know God, then why do you need to go back to following the Laws that you used to follow (v 9)?! I can almost hear Paul saying, "Really!? After all the work I put in for you, you are still not getting it" The "false teachers" kept insisting on following Laws and the special festivals (v 10), but Paul insists it isn't necessary. Wouldn't it have been difficult to give all that up? Can you somewhat understand their feelings- both Gentile and Jew? How hard is it for us to sometimes give up our traditions (think especially of this fall/winter)?

Paul makes a bold statement in verse 12, "Be like me." What he says is, be like me and live the life that I am living, a life dedicated to God, a life of study and witnessing, a life of following Jesus. Paul is the model that he wants people to follow. Do we have those models for us in our life?

We really don't know what physical issue Paul is talking about in v 13. But he comments that even though I wasn't feeling well, I wasn't string and healthy...you still listened to me and you still liked what I had to say. Do we sometimes judge the message people give us based on their appearance? He continues (v 16) and basically says, now I'm healthy and ma back here- why do you not listen?!

Paul ends this section likening himself to a woman that gave birth( vv 19-20); after all, he did start the church in Galatia and I'm sure it was difficult work, and Paul just wants the best for his children, as we all do!

The "false teachers" kept reminding the Galatians that they were Abraham's children;  Paul reminds them of Abraham's two sons: one (Ishmael) from Hagar born the "regular" way; the second (Isaac) born from Sarah on a promise from God. Ishmael, even though Abraham's son, is still "slave" as were the people that wanted to return to the Laws; Hagar was likened to Mount Sinai where Moses received the laws from God. Then there is Isaac: born from promise, the new covenant, the symbol of freedom from the laws. Which son do we associate with" law or promise? As Christians, we identify with Isaac- a child of promise, not Ishmael- a child of law. In fact, Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away (v 30), solidifying that only Isaac (symbol of promise) would inherit everything God promised Abraham. Confusing, but the progression makes sense- read it again if you have to!

Remember, today is Friday. We take the weekend off, so I will post Chapter 5 commentary on Monday. Stay warm this weekend- this is how winters used to be!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Galatians 3

 Wow! Paul comes out harsh with the Galatians! Foolish people, bewitched (v 1)! Paul is saying that he can't believe their thinking is so cloudy, so unbiblical! Then Paul fires a question (v 2), "Just tell me-- where did you get the Holy Spirit from? That's all I need to know!" Here we get back to the entire question-- works or faith? One cannot get the Spirit from works- only through faith! God does what God does because of our faith in God, not because of what we do and how well we can follow the Laws (vv 4-5). Are there people that still insist that the Law is more important- that if they do enough good works- regardless of their faith, they are saved?

The next series of verses (6-10) refer back to Genesis 15, Abraham was not circumcised (that covenant hadn't come out yet) and Abraham had no children. God said (my words)- you just wait, I will make you a great nation. Abraham had faith that God would do what God said and Abraham believed God. Abraham didn't do any works; Abraham didn't follow any Laws; Abraham didn't have to do anything special- other than trust and have faith in God- to be made right with God. Paul emphasizes again- it is belief and trust in God that makes one right with God.  I can almost hear Paul saying, What part of this don't you get? Paul continues (v 7) by saying if you have faith and trust God, then you are a descendant of Abraham. The Gentiles were not direct descendants of Abraham (they weren't Jews), so they Jews would use their ancestry against the Gentiles. Do we sometimes use our "ancestry" against others? Paul continues to say it is faith that makes us right with God, not works, ending this series with the commentary about Jesus taking all the Laws that we couldn't fulfill and removing them from us, and acknowledging Abraham's faith that made Abraham right with God (vv 13- 14). Paul's entire premise in this chapter so far has been that faith in God is what sets us apart.

Paul says that the covenant God made with us through Christ is a solid covenant and there is no going back (vv 15- 18). Paul does speak of the Laws (vv 19- 21) and their purpose. They were essentially developed to keep people from doing wrong. The Laws were there to keep us pure and Holy before the Messiah would come. Some laws are essential- but not to the extent that there used to be in the Hebrew texts. Before we lived our life in faith, before we were saved by faith, we were protected by the law- showing us God's love, showing us the best way to live (vv 21- 25) Confused? I am! 

Paul makes a radical statement in v 26 "You are children of God through faith." Jews had lived under the idea that your obedience to the law made you a child of God. Paul (and Jesus) says, it is faith! Having faith means much more than believing that God exists or did certain things. It is to put our trust in God, both for now and eternity. Is that hard to do or easy to do- trust God for all time? The words Paul ends with remind me of "One Bread, One Body" (UMH#621) Gentile or Jew, servant or free, woman or man- no more! We are one body in this One Lord! May we all be united under our love and faith in God.

Enjoy the snowy day and stay warm!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Galatians 2

 Paul begins telling us about his second trip to Jerusalem (v 1); remember his first trip was three years after his Damascus Road experience (Galatians 1:18-19). This trip is 14 years later, so 17 years after Paul's Damascus Road experience (and so then 17 years after Jesus' resurrection). Going back to the first chapter, Paul emphasized that he learned the gospel from Jesus and God through the Holy Spirit...not by sitting at the feet of the apostles. Barnabas and Titus are with Paul; Titus is one of Paul's most respected and loved disciples of Paul as he talks about him often (and he was a Gentile convert). Do you have a most trusted and respected follower? Who has been your mentor?

Titus was accepted even though he wasn't circumcised (v 3); this shows that the Jewish authority accepted Titus and Paul's interpretation of grace (remember- circumcision was required of all Jewish males, usually at birth, however if an adult male converted later in life, he would need to be circumcised; symbolic of the Mosaic covenant). We begin to see a movement way from "the laws" and a movement to openness and acceptance. Do/have "laws" in the church cause division? However, some of the "false brethren" demanded Titus' circumcision (v 4) and probably had the goal of causing dissension and troubles for Paul. Do you know of "false brethren" that like to cause problems by following exact protocol and "laws" without grace?

The "authority" of the church (probably the apostles) approved Paul's message (vv 6-7) and didn't add anything. Paul emphasizes again that his message was from God, not from man. Why do you think Paul continues to stress this point? He respects their apostolic authority, he just doesn't add to his message with their words.

The apostolic authority (vv 7) approved Paul's message of grace (non-Jews don't need circumcision to receive the grace of God). Paul's ministry was primarily to the Gentiles (v 8-9); Peter's ministry was primarily to the Jews. Paul is basically allowed to continue his ministry to the Gentiles, but to also remember the poor (v 10). Paul was very active in mission for the poor.

Peter approved Paul's ministry (v 9); however later, when Peter comes to Antioch (Paul's home church), he changed and wouldn't associate with the Gentiles (v 11+), especially when confronted by James  and a few other of the Jewish authority! How soon they forget that Jesus ate with the sinners, lepers, etc! How often do people you know change their behavior based on who they are with and who will possibly see them?

Paul confronts Peter (v 14) face to face, publicly! This was obviously a serious problem for Paul! Do we know people that say one thing and do something different? Have you ever confronted them? The point Paul is trying to make is for Peter to not be so hypocritical! Hmmm...sounds like the church- hypocritical! Imagine the scene: they are all at the church potluck lunch in Antioch. Everybody is getting along: Jewish Christians, Gentile Christians. Then some "real Jews" come in and Peter and Barnabas shun the Gentile Christians away from the table and have them go to their separate table to finish eating! Public humiliation of the Gentile Christians!

Paul continues with his interpretation of the Gospel (v 16): it is not the works that we do, the laws that we follow that justify us, it is faith and belief in God that justifies us! Paul firmly believes that the Gospel call is not for following the laws, but for having faith in God, and no matter what we do (as far as following the laws) doesn't improve our justification and salvation. These words are similar to those used by Martin Luther in the Reformation: justification by faith, not by works. That's the whole point of Christ! When Peter left the table, he was following the law, but Paul believes that isn't necessary-- what is necessary is faith in God. Thoughts?

Paul ends this chapter with some powerful words about his life (vv 19- 21). Paul doesn't say the laws is dead, Paul says that he is dead to the laws. The laws showed Paul he could never live up to the laws and fulfill their holy standards. That's also what Jesus was talking about for his ministry- the New Covenant. The laws make us guilty before God, not justified. As Paul understood these things, he began to realize that Christ was living inside him! Imagine the relief and feelings Paul musty have had. Do we experience that feeling- of Christ living in us? Paul ends (v 21) by saying, if all we had to do was follow laws, then Christ's death was a waste! Way to go Paul! The crux of the gospel in a simple statement!

Enjoy the rest of the day and think about these statements by Paul!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Galatians 1

 Paul begins with an immediate call of his authority- apostle, an appointed representative with official status- sent by God (v 1). In case you had any questions about this- he is saying you shouldn't! Paul says that there are others with him on this journey (v 2), but never mentions them by name, and the letter is written to all the churches in Galatia- not a single church. 

Paul addresses the churches with his customary greeting "Grace and Peace" (v 3); grace is Greek culture and peace is Jewish culture (Paul uses the word grace over 100 times in his letters; it is used less than 50 times in the other new testament books). Grace and peace are what constitute Christianity. Why do  you think Paul addresses the churches with these words? Paul continues with the "purpose" of Christ- to deliver us from the present day evil. Do we feel that Christ is doing the same for us- delivering us from present day evil?

Paul then gets to the real point of the letter. At this point, he usually adds a series of thanksgivings for the church he is writing to, but here he comments (v 6), "I can't believe you turned away from God so quickly!" Interesting that he added the words, so quickly...not that they turned away, but it was so fast. Paul started the Galatia churches just a few years prior to this. I have noticed some people in my time that are all excited and enthusiastic about church and God, and then suddenly seem to disappear and get tired. Why does this happen? Faith and belief is a long journey. 

Paul talks of "the other gospel" (v 7). Some translation say "pervert" the gospel. Is there another "gospel" out there? There are people "out there" that twist and turn God's story into something that it isn't. Have you witnessed any of the "perverted gospel"? Paul goes on to curse those that brought the wrong message (v 8)-- even himself or an angel if they are preaching the wrong words! And as if cursing them once wasn't enough, Paul goes on to a second time (v 9)! Strong words for a loving Christian! What does this say about Paul's love for God and the message of hope and peace and grace?

Paul goes on to talk about his authority (vv 11- 12), something that he does often in his letters. Most people hear of Christ through others, but not Paul. He heard it directly from Jesus on the road to Damascus (v 12). That confirms his authority- Paul received the message from a primary source! I have had to "defend" my authority to preach/teach a few times in my career. People have questioned me about my calling. Have you had to defend your calling?

I love Paul's story in the remaining verses of this chapter. I'm sure you heard about how I used to be (v 13- 14): I wanted to be Jewish so badly, I wanted to follow the laws, I wanted to be committed to my family. But God had other plans (v 15). Oh, God and God's plans for us! How has your life been changed by God's plans for you that were probably different than your plans? Paul (in v 15) uses words similar to what God said to Jeremiah (1:5), "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you." How does it feel that God has plans for you? Paul essentially says he was called to convert from Judaism to Christianity (v 16). How does that settle with you- God calling someone to convert? Paul continues his story of conversion and tells us it was three years before he went to meet with the original apostles (v 18)- he learned much of the good news on his own- not from the apostles. Do you think it matters who he learned it from? What about us? It was odd that a new convert (especially one that persecuted so much) didn't meet with the original apostles sooner than three years.

Regardless of his training and his former life, the churches believed him (vv 22-23). Have people questioned your transformation? And when you witness to hem, do they believe you?

That's all for today. Enjoy the rest of the day and be safe!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Galatians- An Introduction

 Our next reading will be the Letter to the Galatians. We begin this on Tuesday, January 26 (tomorrow). 

Paul's letter to the Galatians is sometimes called "Paul's angry letter" and it is the only letter that does not start with words of thanksgiving and praise to the people he is writing to! He begins with his customary introduction, but then starts slamming them for their deserting God and the Gospel! It will be an interesting read for us-- and brief (only 6 chapters).

Paul, also known by his Hebrew name Saul of Tarsus, is probably the most well not "apostle" of Jesus (although not in the original 12) because of his spreading of the gospel message to the world. He established many Christian churches from mid-30s to late-50s. In an ironic twist of fate (you all probably know the story) Saul had a primary goal of persecution of Christ's followers. Saul was walking to Damascus to go after some Christians, and had a "chance" (?) meeting with the ascended Jesus (Acts 9), was blinded for three days, and his vision restored by Ananias of Damascus. He then converted to following Christ. Paul is credited with half of the new testament books (14 of 27). He is the undisputed author of some of the epistles, and some are assumed to be written by his disciples (a common practice).

The churches Paul write to were located in a Roman occupied area of modern day Turkey (right map) called Galatia (left map); the "Galatians" were those people that were descendants of Celtic tribes, and they lived primarily in the northern area of Galatia. 

Historians are not exactly sure of the date of the letter, but it is estimated around 48AD (Paul wold have been in Antioch at that time). Keep in mind that the gospels were written in the mid-60s to 90 AD (Mark, the gospel we just read was written around 65-70AD), so this letter (as do all the epistles, I think) pre-dates the gospels. They are not sure of the exact audience either-- is it the northern territory or all of Galatia? It is known that these people Paul writes to are Gentiles converted to Christianity by Paul (a few years prior to the writing of the letter), but then began to sway away from the fundamentals that Paul taught them: justification by faith alone, no need for circumcision, the authority of Christ, stop self- indulgence, become servant to all, plus a few others.

Interesting side note: I am taking a class on the Reformation in Europe (Luther, Calvin, Zwingli). This letter and the letter to the Romans are key to some of the doctrinal controversies that "caused" the split to Protestantism.

I look forward to reading this letter with you and discussing Paul's thoughts.

Mark 16

 Happy Easter!

The first time available for women to prepare Jesus' body was sunrise Sunday morning. The Sabbath ran from sundown Friday until sunrise Sunday- these must have been some very dark days for Jesus' followers. The women (v 1) come, these are some of Jesus' most devoted followers, and bring spices (v 2) primarily to cover the stench of rotting flesh. But, they ask the question (v 3), "Who will move away the stone?" telling us that they didn't believe in the resurrection; they weren't expecting an empty tomb! Would  you have expected the tomb to be empty?

To their surprise, the stone has been rolled away already (v 4)! The women look in and see an angel (vv 5-7) proclaiming Jesus' resurrection. Notice the words the angel uses..."Jesus was crucified...He is risen..." We hear no actual accounts of the resurrection in any of the Gospels, but we hear of the evidence in each of them. All slightly different though! The angles shows them where the body was and that it is gone. Wouldn't it have been enough to just hear the words, "He is risen" or would you want to see?

The angel instructs the women to Go and tell (v 7), but they don't really do that (v 8). Would you have run and told people or kept it quiet?

Then there is this strange footnote and brackets " verses 9-20 are not included in the two best and oldest Greek manuscripts of Mark."That's it...this could have been the end of Mark. How would that ending have been? So, how reliable is the Bible? Does this section (vv 9-20) really belong? The text isn't found in many of the original and translated manuscripts and the grammar and sentence structure is different than the first 15 chapters of Mark. So...what do you think?

Back to the text. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene first. Mary was probably Jesus' closest female friend and probably one of the few true female disciples. Jesus tells Mary to go tell the others (v 10) but they didn't believe her (v 11) probably because she was a woman! Would you have believed her? Jesus appears to two others on the road to Emmaus (vv 12- 13); they go back and tell the others- and still they didn't believe! And they were likely men! Would you have believed them?

Jesus finally comes to the eleven (v 14). Why not 12? Jesus has a talk with them about their lack of faith and unbelief! Can you imagine how they must have felt- especially after being told by three separate people Jesus had resurrected?! Then they get their final marching orders- Go! The story of the commissioning of the disciples is more detailed in Matthew. Jesus then ascends to heaven in the final verse (v 19). Imagine the disciples now. Jesus died on Friday. Resurrected on Sunday. And now Jesus is gone again! They must have had a roller coaster of emotions!

This is a great way to start the week- hearing of Jesus' resurrection!

The next book we read is Galatians. I will post a brief introduction to Galatians later Monday or Tuesday morning and then chapter 1 commentary on Tuesday also. 

Have a great day! 

Shalom+
Pastor Paul