In Galatians 5:22-26, Paul lists the qualities that the Holy Spirit brings out in us when we thoroughly give ourselves to Christ. While we cannot bring out the Fruit of the Spirit on our own, it is our responsibility to actively follow.

In Galatians 5:13-21, Paul clarifies to the Galatians that freedom from the law of Moses does not grant them (or us) the freedom to live the immoral lives of the flesh. Instead, we are called to be lead by the Holy Spirit to love one another.

Jennie Straight discusses the Love Chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, going into detail about what love is and is not.

In Galatians 5:1-12, Paul argues that by submitting to a part of the law (e.g., circumcision), like the Judaizers insist on, the Galatians become slaves to the entire law and fall from salvation. Only our faith in Jesus grants us the freedom we seek. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

In Galatians 4:21-31, Paul illustrates his point to the Galatians by comparing the first two sons of Abraham. Ishmael, son of the slave Hagar, was born through human efforts to fulfill God's promise, Sarah's son Isaac was born through God's will. Are we children of Ishmael, slave to the law? Or are we children of Isaac, free because we place our faith in God?

With all the tragedy and violence in the world today, it's easy to be dragged down into despair. Jennie Straight finds examples in Joseph and Daniel the show us that even in the darkest times, we can look to God for hope.

In Galatians 4:8-20 Paul reminds the Galatians of their life in slavery to the law or false gods before they became followers of Christ. Paul also recalls that when he first arrived in Galatia to spread the Gospel, he was sick, but they did not reject him and he shared friendship and love with them. With that history, he pleads them to follow his example and remain faithful to Gospel.

Before the law's existence, Abraham was justified to God through his faith. As Paul argues to the Judisers, the Gentiles are likewise justified by their faith in Christ, who rescued them and us from the curse of the law, as promised by God.

To start 2020 on the right foot, we are praying for the global persecuted church (Pat Albrecht), our nation and military (Gary Howard), gratitude (Bruce Bellinger), forgiveness and reconciliation (Betty Rupp), those not attending a church (Jennie Straight), Hays Christian Church (Carolyn Smith), our missions (Scot Lisman), and personal prayers. Get your own copy of the handout HERE!

Jesus asks in Luke 6:46, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" As Joanne Tramel explains, "Red Letter Christians" put their efforts into living their lives as Jesus taught us. One of the major ways we can become Red Letter Christians is to love our neighbors, showing them kindness, compassion, and good will.