November 14 - Evening
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one
who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning
to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all.
Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion
and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we
or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than
the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!"
- Galatians 1:6-8
- Galatians 1:6-8
A Different Gospel is Not the Gospel
It appears that Paul’s letter to the Galatians was written around 48 AD right before or right after the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). It appears that Paul was writing to the churches he had started in southern Galatia such as Lystra, Derbe, Iconium, etc. The problem in the Galatian churches came from the teaching of Jews, most likely under the influence of the Jerusalem culture, who presented a form of Christianity with a salvation that included Jesus, but which also required obedience to Jewish rituals such as circumcision and Jewish laws such as the dietary code. In fact, these Judaizers presented a “gospel” that demanded obedience to these rituals and laws for salvation and for continued growth in Christianity.
Paul draws attention to this issue and presents it as a very major problem. He calls this Jewish presentation of the Gospel “a different gospel,” and “really no gospel at all.” Any alterations or additions to the message of faith in Jesus Christ as the means of salvation were a perverted gospel that would only be preached by people who were trying to “throw you into confusion.”
“a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ." - Galatians 1:7
It is understandable that the Jews would feel compelled to link the Gospel of Jesus with the laws and rituals of Moses just like the Greeks in Corinth tried to view the Gospel of Jesus through the eyes of Greek philosophy. But, the Gospel of Jesus does not mix with religious laws or Greek philosophy. If the truth of the Gospel is mixed with other things it “is really no gospel at all.”
In very harsh terms Paul says that anyone “should preach a gospel other than the one we preached…let them be under God’s curse.
Paraklesis (Gr) - Exhortatiion (Eng) - the Greek word paraklesis is translated as "comfort" and "consolation." Paraklesis refers to a word of encouragement intended to strengthen the faith of a believer. (1 Timothy 4:13, Acts 13:15; Romans 15:4,5; Philippians 2:1; Hebrews 12:5; 13:22)
Do I at times misrepresent the Gospel by making it complicated?
Do I add things to the gospel?
I will present the gospel without any attachments to people.
Do I add things to the gospel?
I will present the gospel without any attachments to people.
Bible Reading Descriptions Here
Personal
Godly character and words
Church
Generosity
Nation
Secretary of Education
World
Syria
Inside the a gate house in a wall built by Solomon on the Ophel, the rise between the City of David, Jerusalem, and the Temple Mount on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem. The construction style matches Solomon's other building projects at Megiddo, Beersheba, Gezer, etc. The jars were the largest ever found in Jerusalem and some had the royal seal showing they were government property and held grain used for government provision of food for the royal house.
Someone to Quote
"The trouble with some of us is that we have been inoculated with small doses of Christianity which keep us from catching the real thing."
- Leslie Weatherhead
Something to Ponder
It is suggested by may scholars that portions of some of the first Christian songs from the days of the New Testament are recorded by Paul when he quotes from thes songs. Some examplse of early church lyrics from 50-60 AD are found in
Philippians 2:6-11
Ephesians 5:14
1 Timothy 3:16
2 Timothy 2:11-13
Pliny described the Christians he had on trial around the year 110 AD to Emperor Trajan in a letter he sent to Rome. Pliny said that meet early in the morning to "chant a song to Christ as if to a god." (Pliny's letter and Trajan's reply here.)
Philippians 2:6-11
Ephesians 5:14
1 Timothy 3:16
2 Timothy 2:11-13
Pliny described the Christians he had on trial around the year 110 AD to Emperor Trajan in a letter he sent to Rome. Pliny said that meet early in the morning to "chant a song to Christ as if to a god." (Pliny's letter and Trajan's reply here.)
Here’s a Fact
An ancient water reservoir that held 66,000 gallons of water was uncovered in Jerusalem. This cistern served the Temple Mount and the city during the days of Solomon's Temple. It was uncovered in 2012.
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Proverb
"Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness."
Proverbs 14:22
Proverbs 14:22
Coach’s Corner
Hope is the fuel for motivation, and hope itself is fueled by knowledge.
Philippians 2:6-11
New International Version (NIV)
6
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
9
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
10
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
New International Version (NIV)
6
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
9
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
10
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Romans 10
New International Version (NIV)
10 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
5 Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.” 6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did:
“Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”
19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,
“I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”
20 And Isaiah boldly says,
“I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”
21 But concerning Israel he says,
“All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”
New International Version (NIV)
10 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
5 Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.” 6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did:
“Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”
19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,
“I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”
20 And Isaiah boldly says,
“I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”
21 But concerning Israel he says,
“All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”
Mark 16
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Has Risen
16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Has Risen
16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
[The earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do not have verses 9–20.]
9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.
12 Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. 13 These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.
14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.