Today we proclaim with our words that we are saved by grace through faith. But in reality, we often assume that others’ sins are worse than our own, and that somehow we are better people. Paul challenges us to confront the awesome grace of God in Christ.
Worship this week –
Saturday – Worship with Holy Communion – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. – Worship through Music – Led by ELC Senior Choir
9:30 a.m. Final Day of Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion/Graduate Recognition
Devotions for this week:
Living by Faith May 21, 2017
SHARE: What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding
Sunday: Living by Faith, Galatians 1:13-17; 2:11-21
Monday: Welcome to the Galatians, Galatians 1:1-12
Tuesday: Paul Defends His Apostleship, Galatians 1:18-24
Wednesday: Paul and the Other Apostles, Galatians 2:1-10
Thursday: God’s Promise to Abraham, Galatians 3:10-18
Friday: The Purpose of the Law, Galatians 3:19-22
Saturday: Paul Reprimands the Galatians, Galatians 4:8-20
TALK: Consider some of these ideas:
With power and grace Paul calls out some of the leaders on their inconsistencies, and presents himself as the classic example of someone who could not have been justified but through the grace of Jesus. There are no good guys and no bad guys. There are just people saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- What is going on in Galatia?
- Too many churches have been notorious for assuming that we are saved by our good deeds and our refraining from sin. How might your story sound if you shared the good news that people are saved by the work of Jesus Christ apart from their good works? How might non-believers respond to such a message?
- How do you feel about the news that your salvation doesn’t depend upon what you do or fail to do? Does this sound like good news or bad to you? What might prevent you from claiming this gift of justification and salvation? How can you begin to let go of your reservations?
PRAY: God of life, We all stand condemned, but for your grace, O God. Foster in us such love for your word that we cannot help but proclaim it freely and openly to all, in the name of your son Jesus. Amen.
BLESS: God says: You are good, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
