Daily Bible Study

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JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE GALATIANS Day 1 Galatians 1 Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 5 To whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. 20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preaches the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me. What are your qualifications for the work you do? When showing your credentials, do you show the good and the bad? Most people will give only the good details about themselves and keep quiet about their colorful past history. Paul was known by the church as a man who started out persecuting those who believed in Jesus until the day came when Jesus got hold of him on the Damascus Road. Paul felt compelled to tell the church at Galatia his qualifications and history because they had turned from the true message of salvation in Jesus Christ, being persuaded by false teachers to believe a false gospel. Today the world has many Christian denominations and many of those denominations hold they are the true denomination and all others are false. As Christians, you know the only true gospel is the one that teaches the Word of God without apology. If someone tries to teach you something you are unfamiliar with, you need to back it up with the Word of God. If it doesn’t line up, then it is a false teaching. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. To know the truth, you need to study the Bible. Get to know the Word of God intimately so you will not be led astray by false doctrines. What does the Bible say? That should be your question every time someone says something about which you have no knowledge. Too many people rely on their pastors and priests to teach them without opening the Bible for themselves. The Bible is the number one selling book in the world, yet most people have it sitting on their shelves and haven’t opened it in years, or never opened it to know what it says. It’s time to take the Bible off your shelf, open it, and read it, and not only read it, but study it. Find out for yourself what the Bible says, and you will be able to discern whether what you’re taught is true or false. Paul condemned those who put forth a false gospel. He also went on to tell the church at Galatia, his credentials to preach the gospel. He learned everything by the mouth of the Holy Spirit, taking himself away from everyone for three years before he approached the apostles in Jerusalem. You need a time of learning and education in the Word of God. There are many accredited universities who will help you learn God’s Word. If that is the route you want to take, do your homework and made certain what you will learn is the Word of God and not a watered-down gospel. You can also study on your own. No matter which way you study the Word of God, the important thing is to study it. When you do you will be fully equipped to teach the Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. As we learned yesterday, the word, perfect, means complete. You will be complete, thoroughly equipped. Let God teach you His Word so you will be completely equipped to teach and preach the Word to others and through the Holy Spirit, bring people to salvation. Let’s pray: Father, give me Your wisdom to know when the message is true or false. Open my eyes with Your understanding as I read and study Your Word. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 13 April 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay