If you’ve spent any time with me at all, you likely know one of the questions that I will ask at some point. The question is some variation of, “Where have you experienced God’s presence?” The simplicity of the question can stun people to silence. When I first started asking the question, I thought the […]
From the Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians Reading Plan Read Review Galatians 6 Reflect Chapter 6 is a continuation of Paul’s ethical teaching. By walking in the Spirit, we are free to live out acts of Christian love in everyday life situations. Because we belong to Christ and live out our responsibility as Christians, we […]
From the Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians Reading Plan Read Galatians 6:17-18 Paul bore the scars of his missionary experience. He not only proclaimed the message of the cross; it was imprinted on his body. We may not be called upon to produce the marks Paul could produce, but there are marks which identify us. […]
From the Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians Reading Plan Read Galatians 6:14-16 The old world was marked by distinctions and separation. One received one’s identity by polarized categories: Jew or Gentile, law-keeper or law-ignorer, male or female, slave or free. The new world that came into being in Jesus Christ overcame the law and circumcision. […]
From the Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians Reading Plan Read Galatians 6:11-13 Although Paul dictated his letters, he usually wrote a personal note at the end of the letter. His concluding words are not warm and personal. Just as he began without thanksgiving, so he concludes without personal warmth or mentioning any names. Instead, he […]
From the Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians Reading Plan Read Galatians 6:9-10 Paul urges mutual care for those in the family of faith. Although the family of faith includes members of the Christian community, Christian concern is not limited to taking care of the needs of church members. It is directed to all. Reflect The […]
From the Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians Reading Plan Read Galatians 6:6-8 Paul is reminding the Galatians, and us, the harvest is relevant to both our spiritual development and describes our destiny. Reflect Daily life involves a constant choice between what vies for our attention. Be mindful that we pattern our lives and mold our […]
From the Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians Reading Plan Read Galatians 5:24-26 Paul reviews his theological foundation as it supports his ethical living. Reflect In Christ, we have crucified our self-indulgence. In Christ, we live in the Spirit. So, if we live in the Spirit, let us live the life of love. And now you […]
From the Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians Reading Plan Read Review Galatians 5 Reflect After laying a theological foundation, Paul moves to Christian ethics. He begins with the responsibility of freedom. He illustrates by using the images of “flesh” and “Spirit” to contrast freedom as self-indulgence with freedom as walking in the life of the […]
From the Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians Reading Plan Read Galatians 5:22-23 Paul continues his illustration with the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit, not the internal conscience of the believer. The Spirit generates a singular fruit, love. Love is not one “virtue” or “ideal” among others. It is the care for others expressed on concrete […]