2023 04 21

Good morning.

Religious activity brings bondage. Paul is astounded by what he finds in the Galatian church. "You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 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? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? (Galatians 3:1‭-‬3)

The grace of God enables us to live free of striving to please God through religious activity. Paul reminds us of this when he says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)

This freedom flows from an intimate relationship with the Father and should be evident in our churches. The church should be a community of grace. People who live in the grace of God are people who learn to love and accept one another. Church becomes a family when we live in the Grace of God.

As we live in the grace of God, our hope is strengthened and "this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" becomes more and more real to us. (Colossians 1:27)

God's grace enables us to enjoy Him. Let's enjoy our relationship with Him.

Blessings.

Mike and Daphne