Galatians

Galatians 1:11-24

11 Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. 12 I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.

13 You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. 14 I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors.

15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.

When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus.

18 Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter, and I stayed with him for fifteen days. 19 The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I declare before God that what I am writing to you is not a lie.

21 After that visit I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And still the Christians in the churches in Judea didn’t know me personally. 23 All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” 24 And they praised God because of me.

 

What an credible passage.  How incredible that even before I was born, God chose me!!!  He called me!!! Forget the theological arguments.  That’s what this passage says clearly.  I see three benefits for me:

1. This reality is a powerful source of confidence regarding my salvation.

2. The idea that  I am chosen is not a prideful things because it was all done      according to His grace–His marvelous grace!

3.  The reason that we must put our theology aside as we meditate on this       passage is that my being chosen is not based on human reasoning or logic        It’s all because of his marvelous grace.

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4 Responses to Galatians

  1. Steve says:

    Dr. Stoop…”thank you!”. Starting this website was a great idea. God knows that so many of us need your insights. I became familiar with you while listening to the NewLife program. I have been drawn to the gentleness, wisdom, knowledge, and genuine concern you bring to any person who calls in.

  2. Mariela says:

    Hi Dr. Stoop, I agree with what Steve’s comment says about you,because i feel the same way. I hear you often speaking on NLL about how important meditation on scripture is . From the whole passage what stood out to me was “Then it pleased Him to reveal His Son to me(who am i) and the more i read it the more i want to and it gives me great joy,it becomes alive and intimate.Thank you for being a good teacher to me!

  3. Thanks ! Supper Post !!

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