“Then fourteen years later I went back to Jerusalem again, this time with Barnabas; and Titus came along, too. I went there because God revealed to me that I should go. While I was there I met privately with those considered to be leaders of the church and shared with them the message I had been preaching to the Gentiles. I wanted to make sure that we were in agreement, for fear that all my efforts had been wasted and I was running the race for nothing. And they supported me and did not even demand that my companion Titus be circumcised, though he was a Gentile. Even that question came up only because of some so-called believers there—false ones, really —who were secretly brought in. They sneaked in to spy on us and take away the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. They wanted to enslave us and force us to follow their Jewish regulations. But we refused to give in to them for a single moment. We wanted to preserve the truth of the gospel message for you.” Galatians 2:1-5 NLT
Fourteen years passed and Paul returned to the home church, Jerusalem, because God had instructed him to. He had two trusted companions with him, Barnabas and Titus. There he met with the leaders of the church and shared his message of the gospel of grace and made himself accountable to his fellow brothers in Christ. He desired verification of his accurate preaching and teaching. However, there were a few false believers that tried to insist that circumcision was part of the righteous expectation of God. Paul didn't give an inch on the matter. He stood firm and unswayed by their attempts. He was completely set in his belief and practice of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Making ourselves accountable to other godly men who are well versed in the scriptures will help us verify our message as well. When false teachers infiltrate the church, it is vitally important for the truth to be made clear. This will serve to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ and it will also preserve the truth for succeeding generations. We cannot afford to be led into deception. The souls of men are at stake. Hold the line dear brothers and sisters. Only Jesus can save us. Salvation cannot be achieved, it must be received. Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, set Your truth in my heart so strong that even the forces of hell cannot shake it.
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![]() Rev. Curtis Norris Archives
March 2020
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