Friday, September 20th: Isaiah 33:10-36:22, Galatians 5:13-26, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 23:23 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 33:10-36:22, Galatians 5:13-26, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 23:23

Galatians 5:¹³ For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

This verse stood out to me right away, and I really don't think it needs much explaining.  Live in freedom, but use that freedom to serve one another in love.  Simple.  Not always easy.  But simple.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Isaiah 37:1-38:22, Galatians 6:1-18, Psalm 65:1-13, Proverbs 23:24

Thursday, September 19th: Isaiah 30:12-33, Isaiah 31, Isaiah 32, Isaiah 33:1-9, Galatians 5:1-12, Psalms 63:1-11, Proverbs 23:22 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Isaiah 30:12-33:9, Galatians 5:1-12, Psalm 63:1-11, Proverbs 23:22

Galatians 5:5-6
But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

A reminder to not get caught up in the small things, that really don't matter. Often we spend more time worrying about things that have nothing to do with the importance of living for Christ. Our focus needs to be on Jesus,  placing our faith in Him, and showing love to those around us. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Isaiah 33:10-36:22, Galatians 5:13-26, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 23:23

Wednesday, September 18th: Isaiah 25:1-28:13, Galatians 3:10-22, Psalm 61:1-8, Proverbs 23:17-18 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Isaiah 25:1-28:13, Galatians 3:10-22, Psalm 61:1-8, Proverbs 23:17-18 

Galatians 3:²² But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.

He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  No one comes to the Father except through Him.

So thankful that Jesus was born, lived the perfect life we never could, died in our place, taking our punishment, and overcame sin and death by rising from the grave.

So thankful that He took our sin, and gave us His righteousness.

May I never lose sight of all that He has done and continues to do!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Isaiah 30:12-33:9, Galatians 5:1-12, Psalm 63:1-11, Proverbs 23:22

Saturday, February 3rd: Exodus 37-38, Galatians 6 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 37-38, Galatians 6

Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spiritshould restore that person gently.
People like to take a verse or two out of the Bible, take it out of context, and twist it to mean something it doesn't.  For example - "Judge not" is used pretty often to excuse sin and to convince believers that they have no right to hold someone accountable for their actions.  This is not true, and this is one of many verses that shows us otherwise.

We cannot judge the heart - only God can.  But we can, and should, judge actions according to the Word.

We need to hold each other accountable - but in love and in a gentle and grace-filled manner.

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
This is pretty self-explanatory, and an obvious truth, and yet people like to live as though somehow they'll be the exception to this rule!  We cannot expect to sin and then escape the consequences.  There is always forgiveness, and God can redeem even the darkest situation, but there are still consequences that we have to live with.


Tomorrow: Catch Up Day!
Monday's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 39-40, Ephesians 1

Friday, February 2nd: Exodus 34-36; Galatians 5 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 34-36; Galatians 5

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
- Galatians‬ ‭5:25

In every part of our lives. We need to follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Not just the two days after a sermon that really hit home, not just during a set of worship that had your hands raised and eyes closed, not just during Sunday school where you volunteered to pray this time instead of waiting for someone to pick you, but in every part of our lives. That means after a bad day at work or school, we still need to come home and follow the Spirit’s leading. When someone offends us and all we want to do is fire insults back, when the McDonalds worker doesn’t get the order right and you’re alreafy late for work, we still need to follow Him. Yes, it’s hard, and yes, we’re going to mess up multiple times. But He “gives us new mercies everyday”. We need to follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 37-38; Galatians 6

Thursday, February 1: Exodus 31-33; Galatians 4 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 31-33; Galatians 4

“And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.” - Galatians‬ ‭4:6-7‬

Being the oldest child, I have the tendency to think I can do everything myself, I don’t need help from anyone, and if I can’t do it myself then I’m a failure. I often forget, or push aside the fact that I need other people to help me, especially God.

God wants us to call out to Him, “Abba, Father.” We are His children, and He will take care of us. But we have to let Him. We can’t just push Him away saying “no, no, no, I can do this by myself.” We have to trust that He has a plan, and that He’s got everything figured out already.

So while we’re trying to battle something completely “independently”, we need to take a step back and trust that God’s got this, and He doesn’t need our help.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 34-36; Galatians 5

Wednesday, January 31st: Exodus 28-30, Galatians 3 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 28-30, Galatians 3

2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?[a] 4 Have you experienced[b] so much in vain—if it really was in vain? 5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?6 So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[c]
This reminds me of the series Pastor Ron has been speaking on about living in the Spirit in covenant relationship with God - not by a checklist morality code (the law) or with a "me-first" attitude (fleshly desire, and completely misinterpreting our freedom in Christ).

28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
A great reminder that we are all of equal worth in God's eyes.  This doesn't mean that we're not different from each other, but that our worth is equal and that God's love and salvation is offered to all.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 31-33, Galations 4

January 30: Exodus 25-27, Galatians 2 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 25-27, Galatians 2

I have been crucified with Christ & I no longer live, but Christ lives on me – vs 20

I no longer live

The Message bible continues to say-
“The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me & gave himself for me.”

When we give our lives to Christ, we give up ourselves. It should no longer be “all about me.”

How entitled do I live my life?
-I want this, I don’t want that, Why do I have to go through this?, Why me?

Am I looking to live in whatever way pleases me most & makes me the most comfortable or am I allowing Christ to live in me however he chooses?

Do I have enough faith in him to give up “me”?

Lord, help me to recognize that my life is not my own & allow you to live in & through me. You loved me enough to die for me, now help me to faithfully follow you wherever you lead.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 28-30, Galatians 3

Thursday, September 28th: Isaiah 3-4; Galatians 6 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 3-4; Galatians 6

Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.
When fellow believers fall into sin, our goal in addressing this must be restoration, not punishment, and this needs to be done with great care.  It also needs to be done in humbleness.  God's grace covers our sin, just as it covers theirs.

We should not be arrogant that we have not fallen in the same way.  Everyone has different weaknesses.  We would do well not to look down our nose at something who struggles with something that we do not find difficult.  We have our weaknesses too.

We need to be on guard that we are not overtaken by sin.  We can never become complacent, and must always be on guard spiritually.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Isaiah 5-6; Ephesians 1

Wednesday, September 27th: Isaiah 1-2, Galatians 5 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Isaiah 1-2; Galatians 5

Isaiah 1:11
“The multitude of your sacrifices— what are they to me?” says the Lord. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.

God doesn't need anything from us, He can provide for Himself if He wants. What He does want is for us to want to give to Him, and to others, with the right attitude.


Galatians 5: 6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love

The old rules and laws are replaced by a simple command, to love others through faith in our Lord Jesus. Jesus showed us how much He loved us by dying on the cross for us, now it's up to us to do our best to love others.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 3-4; Galatians 6

Tuesday, September 26th; Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4 ~ Jody

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is:Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4

I found a great sermon by John Piper here that talks about "Hagar and Slavery vs Sarah and Freedom" from Galatians 4:21-31. I appreciated how he explained the desire that is needed to rely on God's strength being a critical part of living in freedom - and in our salvation. Here is an excerpt:

Freedom is what you have when there is opportunity, ability, and desire to do what will make you happy in a thousand years. Surely everyone here wants this full freedom—to have occasion and ability to do what you love to do with the result that you live in perfect joy forever. If that's what you want, then this text is crucial for you, because Paul says the Ishmael-types don't have this freedom but the Isaac-types do.

Why aren't the Ishmael-types free? They are not free because they lack the desire to rest in God's promises. They lack the desire to show their own resourcefulness. It's not that they desire to reject God. They simply want him on their own terms. Abraham and Hagar wanted God's blessing, but not on his terms.

The Judaizers want God's blessing, but not on his terms. Ishmael-types in every age rely on human resources and don't desire to feel like children in need of a father, or like a patient in need of a doctor. Ishmael-types think you can outgrow:

Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong,
We are weak but he is strong.

Therefore, when it comes to saving faith, Ishmael-types do not have the freedom of desire. They do not want it. Therefore, they also lack the freedom of eternal life, because no one who prefers to live in his own strength rather than trusting God will be saved and go to heaven. And what's more, the hardness of heart that spurns childlike dependence on God will also darken the understanding. Every one of us knows that the most common use of the mind is to justify our desires. Therefore, deeply wrong desires will deeply mislead the mind until it is not able to understand what is right. So Ishmael-types are not free because they lack the freedom of desire to rest in God's sovereign grace; and therefore, they lack the freedom of ability to understand God's will; and finally, they lack the freedom of eternal joy, because the life they have chosen leads to destruction.

But we, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise (Galatians 4:28). We have been born of the Holy Spirit. The essence of Christianity is the miracle of new birth. The hallmark of the Isaac-types is that we have been converted, changed, transformed at the center of our lives, so that we desire to rest in God's sovereign grace. We desire to become as little children and receive the power and wisdom and holiness from our all-sufficient Father. We hate the remaining tendencies in us to be proud and to trust in ourselves or other people instead of God. Our delight is in the law of the Lord, and our choicest food is to do his will in reliance on his power. This is what it means to be born according to the Spirit. This is what it means to say I no longer live but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20). His passion becomes our passion.

Therefore, Isaac-types have the freedom of desire. We don't labor slavishly under the burden of having to do what we don't want to do. We are free to do what we love to do and to do it forever in perfect joy. For God has caused us to be born again by the Spirit of his Son, and is shaping our desires according to his will.

"For freedom Christ has set us free! Stand fast, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 1-2; Galatians 5

Monday, September 25th: Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4

Galatians 4:4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship
We are not naturally children of God.  We are sinners.  And we deserve judgement.  But God sent His Son Jesus to fully pay the penalty for our sin, and, incredibly, to make us His children and heirs to His kingdom.  Amazing!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4

Sunday, September 24th: Song of Solomon 4-5; Galatians 3

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Song of Solomon 4-5; Galatians 3

“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians‬ ‭3:26‬

This was such a powerful read for me today, the Lord really spoke to me through it. It doesn’t matter how many laws we break or how many good things we do to “redeem” ourselves, that is not what saves us. It is through faith that we are saved. Jesus is the atonement for our sins, not any other sacrifice, or any “good” thing we do. It is in Christ alone that we are saved and can have a right relationship with God. We are His children through Jesus. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4

Saturday, September 23rd: Song of Solomon 1-3; Galatians 2 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Song of Solomon 1-3; Galatians 2

Galatians 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
I love what this verse by verse commentary says about this verse....

We now conclude Paul’s address to Peter. This verse is the knockout punch of chapter 2. This is Paul’s final stroke to those who claim salvation or sanctification by law. 

 

I do not set aside the grace of God; 

The words “set aside” mean make void, cancel God’s grace. If we go back to the law, we cancel out the work of the cross. The grace of God is put as of no value, set aside, nullified, annulled. Self-righteousness declares invalid God’s provision in Christ. We annul God’s grace when we inject our righteousness. If we nullify grace, then Christ died without an adequate cause [“vain”]. Christians must recognize the validity of grace.

We do nothing to attain God’s grace. We do not go through religious motions or righteous works. We do not have to climb any mountain, swim any sea, or cross any deserts. God gave us salvation and the Christian way of life free of charge.

Principle:

Legalism voids God’s grace; grace and law are mutually exclusive.

Application:

If we maintain that we gain God’s approval by works then we abolish grace. Then there is no reason for the death of Christ. His death would be unwarranted and superfluous. It is a serious thing to negate grace.

The essence of God’s grace is to give us something we do not deserve. Salvation is a gift (Romans 4:4). Grace and merit are mutually exclusive. If God gives salvation by grace, then it is not I who do the work. If I do the work, then it is not God who gives salvation. If I do the work, then I get the glory. If God does the work then He gets the glory.

“And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work” (Romans 11:6 ).

When we inject our righteousness into salvation or sanctification, we thwart the efficacy of Christ’s work for us. God’s grace and our work are contradictory. We must choose one or the other. They cannot both be true at the same time....

There is no point or purpose to Christ’s death if we can work for salvation. There is no reason for the death of Christ. Righteousness through faith in Christ’s cross is not one of the reasons but the only reason for salvation. This is exactly what Peter did by entering into legalism. We cannot unite grace and law because they are mutually exclusive ways to please God. If we do, then we imply that Christ died on the cross needlessly. It invalidates grace.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Song of Solomon 4-5; Galatians 3

Friday, September 22nd: Ecclesiastes 10-12; 2 Galatians 1 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Ecclesiastes 10-12; Galatians 1

A few verses that stood out while reading:

Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.  Ecclesiastes 10:8

How often have I been a part of, or watched on TV, a sports team acting too confident or cocky, and then loosing badly the next game.  This verse is a good reminder to not play with fire; a trap that I may be setting for someone else might catch me.  

So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.  Ecclesiastes 11:10

Youth and vigor are meaningless.  This is a hard one for me.  I don't think or feel that I am old, until I play sports with our 16 year old son.  Each year I find myself getting a little slower on my feet.....somehow the football is not as fast or accurate out of my throwing hand.....and I have a lot more aches and pains than I ever used to.  And then I come across the verse below...   
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.  Ecclesiastes 12:13

My duty isn't to always be physically stronger than my kids.  It's to lead them by example and show them that it is more important to fear God and to keep His commands.  Without that, everything else ultimately is meaningless.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.  
Galatians 1:10

Where do I seek approval?  From my employer?  My customer?  My neighbor?  My friends?  My family?  My prayer is that I would seek approval from Christ, who knows and sees everything about me......not just what I want Him to see.  
    

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Song of Solomon 1-3; Galatians 2

Sunday, November 13th - Galatians 4-6 ~ Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Galatians 4-6

A few key verses stood to me while reading these chapters.

Chapter 5:6 says. "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."    The last part of this verse stood out for me.  We are saved by faith and our love for others will be shown through our faith. 

Another verse that I really like is Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.  Against such things there is no law.  These are wonderful character traits but they cannot be achieved on our own but through God's help.

Lastly, the final verse that I will mention is Galatians 5:14 "The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'. If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be devastated by each other."  These verses are a good reminder to myself that it is so easy to get caught up and be critical of others around me but to remember to love each other. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Acts 15 - 16

Saturday, November 12th: Galatians 1-3 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Galatians 1-3

To some extent Galatians is the counterpart to James.  Both warn about two opposite extremes.

Genuine believers do not use their freedom in Christ as a liberty to sin.  Rather, holy living is evidence of genuine faith.  That is the message of James.

Genuine believers do not count on their good works to save them, or to continue in God's good graces after being saved.  That is the message of Paul in this first portion of Galatians.

We are not saved by good works, we are saved by faith in Christ Jesus.  We are not saved by obedience, because none of us are capable of perfect obedience, and perfection is the standard. The law showed us our inability to save ourselves and directed us to Christ, the only One who lived out God's law perfectly and the only One who can give us salvation.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Galatians 4-6

Friday, 21 August, Psalms 107-109; Galatians 6 ~ Elizabeth

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalms 107-109; Galatians 6

In Psalm 107 history unfolds the prevailing deeds of God's steadfast love. Because of sin, this world is chaotic and inhospitable. But in Jesus God has restored the peace we long for. Our sins are forgiven, and where there is forgiveness of sins, there is life and every blessing.

In Psalm 108 we're reminded that from time to time, old defeats come back to haunt us. Perhaps a future challenge reminds us of a past failure. At times like this, we remember that God, who delivered us in the past, is with us in the present and the future.

In Psalm 109, even though falsely accused, David responds by calling for judgment and punishment. Imprecatory (cursing) psalms can be difficult to harmonize with Jesus' command to "love your enemies". However, we do not know the hearts of David's enemies. His calls for destruction are his prayers for salvation. If he is to be saved, and if they refuse to repent, then they must be defeated. He believes that his enemies have removed themselves beyond the reach of God's grace. Ultimately, all who persecute Christ and his followers and refuse to repent will experience God's judgment. As we look to God for salvation, we know His justice will prevail upon our enemies who remain in sin. He declares us justified and His dear children through Jesus.

In our reading from Galatians, Paul reminds us that members of God's family restore the erring, bear one another's burdens, support their teachers, and do good to all-especially to fellow Christians. An attitude of moral superiority closes the heart against the brother or sister in need. The Son of God "loved me and gave Himself for me" (2:20), that I may be free to serve Him and my neighbor in need. In a handwritten postscript, Paul leaves us with an interpretive lens through which to evaluate all Christian teaching and life: the message of the cross. Against all self-righteous pride in spiritual accomplishments, the cross speaks a word of judgment. Yet to those who believe, the cross is God's power to make all things new.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Psalms 110-112; 2 Corinthians 1

Thursday, August 20th: Psalms 105-106, Galatians 5 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalms 105-106; Galatians 5

Psalms 105 and 106 challenge us to remember, not only God's miracles, but also His faithfulness to us, in spite of our faithlessness.  His grace truly is amazing.  But, may we not take that grace for granted and presume upon His mercy, but rather press on towards holiness as His transforming power works within us.

I appreciated Pritchard's thoughts again...
Why do we fight so hard for the truth of the gospel? I find the answer in Galatians 5:5-6. “But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Our hope is in the Lord alone. All that we need comes from him. The righteousness we need is found in Christ. And that righteousness comes to us by virtue of his bloody death on the cross. God doesn’t care whether or not we are circumcised. The only thing that matters is true saving faith that expresses itself in a life motivated by love.

And, of course, one of the most well-known verses....
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. We are known by our fruit - does this verse describe you and me?


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Psalms 107-109; Galatians 6

Wednesday, August 19th: Psalms 103-104, Galatians 4 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalms 103-104; Galatians 4

Psalm 103 speaks of all God has done and continues to do for us.  There are so many verses in here that I love.
v11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
His love is infinite, and beyond our understanding.
The notion of fearing God has gone out of style, but it is a timeless truth we would do well to remember.  Every time a human had even a glimpse of God's glory, they trembled or fell down in fear.  Our sinful nature simply cannot handle the purity of His holiness.  His wrath is real - but thankfully, so is His grace!

In fact....

v12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.Of course, east and west can never meet.  What an amazing symbol of God's forgiveness for us - He separates our sin from us so that He doesn't even remember it.  God not only forgives our sin, but He chooses to forget it, and declares us righteous in Christ.  What a Saviour!

Psalm 104 contains beautiful poetic language to describe God the Creator and Sustainer of all things.  Truly, even poetry cannot do justice to this amazing creative power.


Our Galatians passage tells us that in Christ we are given a new position - we are now no longer simply freed slaves, but we are heirs, true sons and daughters of God!  We are not step-children, we are adopted into His family.  And this standing is secure because it is not based on our performance, but on our standing as His children.  We are given the priviledge of coming to the throne as His children through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit - amazing.

The Galatians believed in Jesus, but they wanted to live under the law in order to please God.  Paul straightened out this error in thinking by using Sarah and Hagar as an allegory to show that you cannot have it both ways.  You are either an Isaac or an Ishmael.

Pritchard....
Who is your mother? Hagar or Sarah? Are you born of the flesh only or are you also born of the Spirit? Do you still think there is some way you can help God out by the things you do? If you think you can somehow be good enough to merit salvation or if you think that salvation is partly what God does and partly what you do, you are a child of slavery. You are still in chains.

The Ishmaels of this world trust in themselves. The Isaacs of this world trust in God alone for salvation.

There are two streams of humanity and only two. Despite all the superficial differences of skin color, culture, language, place of birth, and so on, in God’s eyes the whole human race is divided into two groups—the Ishmaels and the Isaacs, the children of Hagar and the children of Sarah. Everyone in the world is descended spiritually from one of those two women. You are either a slave to works or you have been set free by God’s grace.

Who is your mother? Make sure you know the answer to that question.




Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Psalms 105-106; Galatians 5