In just five simple verses in Galatians 6, Paul blows open our lens on what life in a biblical community of faith looks like. In very practical ways, he shows us what happens when the Holy Spirit is growing people up in the church. He doesn’t mention spiritual gifts here, though they are important. He doesn’t mention signs and wonders, though they … Continue reading The Ministry of Restoration
In Galatians, Paul describes the battle that every Christian experiences daily as the flesh wars against the Spirit. He offers a demonstrative (but not exhaustive) list of the works of the flesh, in four categories: sexual sins, idolatry, relational sins, and drunkenness. Paul then offers a warning: “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of … Continue reading Walk in the Spirit
In Galatians, Paul answers the question, “Why did Christ set us free?” For freedom Christ has set us free. That is an indicative, a settled truth. We have been set free by Christ. It is followed by an imperative, a command. “Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” You are free in Christ. And in Christ, … Continue reading Stand Fast in Freedom!
In Luke’s gospel account, the women at the empty tomb were asked a question they could not answer. The angels said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” It’s a great question! But the truth is, they didn’t seek the living among the dead. They sought the dead. They were looking for a dead body. The angels asked a question that strikes … Continue reading He is Risen!
Remember that great old gospel song that started, “Would you be free from the burden of sin, there’s power in the blood, power in the blood, Would you o’er evil a victory win, there’s wonderful power in the blood!” Paul starts off this section with an even older hit. “There’s Power in the Law.” Have … Continue reading Would You Be Free?
“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.” Paul wrote that in his first letter to the church in Corinth. Notice that this is NOT a command but a statement, a fact: every man is the head of … Continue reading Step Up, Brothers!
J. Mark Fox 