Does the language of being "cursed" make you feel uncomfortable? We must deal with this language because it's biblical language. Against the seemingly hopeless backdrop of the curse we're under, Paul brings to mind the "terrifyingly beautiful truth" that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.

1. Joyful Suffering (24,25) 2. Gospel Proclamation (25-29) 3. Maturity in Christ (1:28-2:5)

Last week we heard the Apostle Paul sketch an outline for the rest of the book, and we focused on our identity as believers. In this passage, Paul gets to work trying to break the spell that's fallen upon the churches in Galatia, hoping that they'll hear and believe the gospel afresh.

In this passage, Paul sets forth a summary of the gospel of grace and its application to our identity personally and corporately. It's a dense package with lots of intricate arguments, but the overall emphasis is clear: we're justified through faith in Christ alone, not by works of the law.

This Sunday we complete our fall kick-off series entitled, "Commissioned into the King's Service." We'll look at Mark 8 and consider the conditions and calling Jesus sets out for those who would come after him. Following Jesus isn't easy, but it's eternally worth it.

As we continue this little series entitled, Commissioned: Called into the King's Service, we look to a second distinctive aspect of Christ's commission to his followers: to set out and catch men.

This is the first sermon of three in a series entitled, Commissioned: Clarifying Our Calling. This Sunday we look at Jesus' commission to be a people devoted to prayer.