In the midst of countless spiritual messages competing for our attention today, Paul's warning in Galatians 1:8 rings with startling clarity. The gospel we embrace isn't just a matter of theological preference—it's the very foundation upon which we build our entire spiritual life. Let's explore why Paul felt so strongly about this matter that he repeated his warning twice!
Your value isn't something you earn – it was established at creation and confirmed at the cross. Today, let's explore the liberating truth about where your real worth comes from.
Many believers begin their Christian journey with genuine faith in Christ's finished work on the cross. There's an initial joy and freedom that comes with understanding salvation as a gift rather than something earned. Yet over time, a subtle transformation often occurs. Without realising it, Christians can drift from a grace-centered relationship with God to one based on performance and personal effort.
In our journey through life, we often focus solely on what we can see and touch. Yet, Scripture reveals a profound spiritual reality that shapes our existence in ways we might not fully comprehend. Today, I'd like to explore the three powerful spiritual realms that influence our daily lives: Earth, World, and Kingdom.
Hebrews 6:1 presents believers with a compelling challenge: “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection.” This verse marks a pivotal transition in the letter to the Hebrew Christians, urging them to advance beyond foundational teachings. But what exactly does this “perfection” entail? It's certainly not about achieving flawless moral behaviour or religious rule-following.
One of the most persistent misconceptions in the modern church is the fear that teaching pure, unconditional grace will lead to spiritual complacency. Many church leaders hesitate to fully embrace grace-centered teaching, worried their congregation will stop serving, giving, and showing up when they hear grace preached without conditions or caveats.
Many believers today find themselves caught in an internal battle. Their hearts long for closeness with God, yet their minds are plagued by persistent feelings of unworthiness and condemnation. That critical inner voice whispers relentlessly: “You're not good enough.” This spiritual torment creates an invisible barrier, keeping countless Christians from experiencing the intimate relationship with God they were created to enjoy.
Have you ever complained that God isn't fair? You're absolutely right – and that's actually the best news possible!
If God were merely fair, we'd all be in serious trouble. Being fair means getting exactly what we deserve – that's justice! But Psalm 103 declares “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.”
One of the most profound questions many believers wrestle with is whether salvation, once received, can ever be lost. This question touches the very core of our relationship with God and our understanding of His character.
Many believers have embraced a seemingly logical but fundamentally flawed understanding of the Christian walk. They teach that while salvation comes through faith alone, godly living requires keeping the law. Their argument suggests that while the law can't justify us before God, it remains essential for our sanctification—our growth in holiness. But is this what Scripture actually teaches?