The Pure Gospel

Ever notice how life in this broken world has a way of diminishing things?  The air we breathe becomes polluted.  The lakes and oceans we swim in become filled with garbage.  Our bodies become contaminated by foreign substances.  The food we eat contains additives and preservatives.  Motives are a mix of good and bad.  Politicians become corrupt.  People become greedy.  Our souls can become tainted by evil influences.  Our hearts become sinful when we rebel against God.    

The gospel of Jesus Christ is no exception.  What is offered by God as a pristine gospel of grace through Jesus Christ can become hijacked and used for purposes God never intended.  Christianity can be used for political gain.  Faith can become a rationale for war.  The gospel of Jesus Christ gets mixed-up with religion, rules, and rituals.  Laws and legalisms begin to infiltrate the gospel of grace.  These are the kinds of things we’ll think about this Sunday as we continue our series on Galatians.

The Apostle Paul is adamant that the gospel of Jesus Christ must be kept free of anything and everything that distorts its purity.  For the Galatian believers, that meant not letting Old Testament Jewish laws pervert their newfound Christian faith.  Facing opposition, Paul boldly addresses this conflict with confidence.  And so will we this coming Sunday through the next message in our Unpacking Easter series which I call “Gospel Perversion.”  Is your gospel perverted?  Come, find out!

Worship begins at 10:00 AM.  The message will challenge you.  Worship will inspire you.  Warm friends will greet you.  Visitors will be welcomed.  And, the Holy Spirit will be moving in our midst, healing hearts and refreshing lives.  A Children’s Church and Nursery will be provided.  Pastor Dave’s friends Cal & Pam Boeve will be present to share an update.  The Discovery Class meets following worship.  Refreshments will be served.  Please join us for a Spirit-filled Sunday at Grace Church!