Our past- God's Future

Galatians 1: 10-24

Two Clarifying statements from last week:

At times, there may be a need for pivot or adjustment in approach to ensure the main thing is the main thing.

People can and will get saved under different approaches and styles. My comment last week regarding this was toward anything that distracts from the message. Some “christian” music that is sung, is not the one and true gospel. My comment was not in reflection of our style vs. other styles. In some ways, if we hold too hard of a line on “our style” pride can and will exist.

Tonight’s thought is right on the heals of what we looked at this morning in Acts 9. Paul is confirming his apostleship and verifying in his past actions that he was not nominated by men, nor confirmed by them. He is explaining this to the church at Galatia in the midst of Judiasers infiltrating the church and adding to the simple Gospel of Christ, to the point that Paul refers to their actions as a “turning away”.

Misguided Religious Zeal

Conversion to Christ

Preached Christ immediately (Acts 9:20)

Defense of who he conversed with. (No rush to return and correct).

Past testimony through conversion brings glory to God within Galatia. (What a testimony that only God could have orchestrated,

Prior this was a people that Paul cared nothing about- then conversion changed his heart for them. Paul didn't see the need to run and correct men but rather just share the message from Jesus. Clearly his Apostleship is from God and not men.

I would have to imagine that at his conversion with Christ, because he knew so much about the law that all of sudden varying truth’s and teaching of the law that pointed to God had to have been flooding his mind. God uses this man to then be an example and messenger to both groups of people including those who then are struggling with the focus of the Law rather than grace.

We are not identified by our past. In fact our past can be used.

Only God could have taken this excellent Jewish persecutor and turn him into an excellent messenger.

We are taught to not converse with men and their opinions but to be strictly on the focus of Christ and do prioritize that focus immediately (Nick Pinkham). We are saved from an eternity in hell, and saved for a purpose on this earth.

Regardless of the past- our testimony has the potential to bring glory to God among others who had heard about the original state of you and I. He may even use you in other people’s lives that may be struggling with similar things you did or have.

Paul nails down the very focus and purpose of a believer. Not to please men or seek their approval but rather allow Christ to live and reign within their lives.

Galatians 2:16

Galatians 2:19-20

In Closing, I remember at 4 years old kneeling at my parents bed side after a Sunday evening service. I remember being in fear of where I was destined to go. I recall the very prayer that I cried out with my dad at my side- Lord save me! Through out middle and high school- I would attend Pastor’s conferences with my dad ranging from Maine-Indiana- San Diego on a yearly basis. I took note of the incredible testimonies of what God had saved men out of and truly considered that my testimony was lame and boring. I wasn’t until later on in life that I realized from He had saved me from having to even experience. Our testimony is critical and it can be an empowering experience for another person who may considering Christ themselves. Whether you have been saved from a life full of sin or within the pews of a church at an early age- we can and should glorify God through each other. Your conversion or salvation story is critical-but the story is only beginning.

There are some exciting conversations going on. (Little league & work).

So tonight, there will be much noise and excitement for a particular game that will be underway shortly, but I would like to challenge us all tonight- when we boil things done in our lives, are we also proclaiming thanksgiving and the hope of this incredible message at the same tone, with the same excitement, and energy? Regardless of your past, the Lord first desires to save you from the pit of hell, and save you for a purpose on this earth. Lets be a church that is testifying regularly about our conversion and our ongoing growth in Christ!