The church at Galatia was in trouble but didn’t think they were. The devil works on every Christian and every church. I’ve seen him work every week I’ve been pastor here. I’d rather have met the challenge of the devil when it comes to standing before God. But we can’t do it in ourselves.
Galatia was one of the first churches established and they were having trouble at the core. Wolves had come in saying they had to keep the law and were adding other things. People were confused. They conformed the gospel to meet someone else’s standards or how society felt. This was a whole different culture and society from other places. All places then had an influence of Rome but they were different. Paul preached the same gospel in Jerusalem that he preached in Galatia. He preached the same in Rome when Nero put him on the chop block.
We’re in a time of conformity. So called Christians and churches are conforming to other religions. Islam, Buddha, Shintoism, and Catholicism remain rigid to their beliefs and expect Christianity to bend. Our country has thrown away laws and has more respect of the religion that put down the World Trade Center than Christianity. Ways of other religions are promoted and used. If you want peace of mind you don’t get down on your knees and pray anymore, you curl up your legs, hum to yourself and hold your fingers a certain way. Paul says BEWARE. There is no other gospel.
Most media outlets call true Christianity “right wing fundamentalism” and say it’s what’s wrong with our country. Did you see the story done about peace on earth, good will to men over the holidays on one of the morning shows? That’s a Bible phrase. People from three different groups commented, even someone who claimed to be a born-again Christian. In the end they all agreed there are many ways to get to God. There are not. BEWARE!
Galatians 1: 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.
I marvel too. I’m surprised at the shape some Christians are in. We need to stick with the one, true gospel; otherwise it’s to lose our own soul. If everybody in your family is lulled into another gospel, don’t be lulled yourself. We hear the calling to other gospels every day. The new gospels serve a dish that takes people to hell. Don’t be a perverter of the gospel. Any variation of the gospel—by science, by psychology, by the government, by Hollywood, or by religion—is another gospel. Paul said they are under the curse of God. There is only one truth: Jesus. The Bible says let God be true and every man a liar. If I don’t like the Bible, the problem lies with me. Staying true to the gospel costs the disciples their lives, but whatever it costs stick with the true gospel. Be under the promise not the curse.
We’re faced with a choice: please men or God. Seek to please God and persuade people of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If it displeases others, so be it. Let’s be bona fide Christians. Don’t argue with the devil’s crowd. Tell the truth and go on. Know what you believe and whom you believe. Have a made-up mind.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 