Our reading for next Sunday is Galatians 1:13-17, 2:11-21. Paul is writing to the Galatians and starts by reviewing his own history of faith. Paul (who was first known as Saul) spent much of his early life persecuting Christians. And then something happened. The Holy Spirit changed Paul, so that instead of persecuting Christians he became a follower of Christ and began to share the good news of God among the gentiles. God’s arms opened wide through the apostle Paul.
Whoever we are, God welcomes us. We are not welcomed because of what we do. We are not welcomed because we try to keep God’s laws. The purpose of the law is to show us our need for Christ, because “we all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)”. In the midst of our sin, God’s grace is what gives us life. “While we are yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)”.
Now what? Saved by God’s grace, how do we live by faith? What did the apostle Paul do? He spent his life moving from place to place, proclaiming the good news of Jesus, and helping people grow closer to God. A life of faith will be different for each of us. We might not travel around and help start churches like Paul, but we each have gifts to use to reflect God’s grace. What are your gifts? How might you use them this week? How might you use them today? What little things might you do to reflect your faith to those around you.
God has given each of you gifts. May God give you joy as you use those gifts to share God’s love.
In Christ, Pastor John
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