Hope Alliance Bethlehem

As Paul redirects the Galatians to the gospel of faith in Christ alone, he uses the example of Abraham.  Going beyond Moses and the law, he shows that entrance into the family of God has always been about faith in God.  And now through Jesus, not only has the curse of the law been reversed, but the covenant to Abraham has been fulfilled.

The purity of the gospel is so significant that Paul was willing to boldly confront Peter, who had been hypocritically proclaiming the gospel with his mouth, but not backing it up with his actions.  In this story we see just how easy it is to fall prey to the fear of man and in so doing forfeit our freedom in Christ.  And how our behavior flows out of our gospel identity, not simply our gospel understanding.

Paul uses a previous experience in Antioch to demonstrate the methods of false teachers in forcing gospel compromise.  And he reminds the Galatians and us how important it is to give no ground to any addition to the gospel.  Our standing in Christ gives us complete access to God.

Paul wanted the Galatians to know that his life journey was sovereignly enabled by God to lead him to bring the gospel to them.  Certainly his apostolic authority but also both his testimony of salvation and the testimony of his life made him the right voice for them.  Likewise, God has providentially place us as a witness and is preparing us to be his gospel voice where we are.

Paul confronts the Galatians' problem head on - any addition (or subtraction) from the gospel is no gospel at all.  Paul's warning to them is just as imperative to us as we seek to not only believe and find our identity in the gospel of Christ, but also to live in it.

Paul opens his letter to the Galatians by reminding them of his commission by Jesus and the beauty of a gracious gospel that brings true peace. 

When Jesus is brought to the temple as an infant, he has a surprising encounter with two older people - Simeon and Anna.  Their excitement at the presence of Jesus is the result of being people who are boldly waiting for redemption.  They have experienced exile, but even in it midst trust the goodness of God as they wait for his full plan to be revealed.

The arrival of the magi proclaiming Jesus as king in the face of King Herod sets up a perfect question for gospel readers.  Who gets to be king?  The reign of Jesus is a threat to all who want power and control, not just of a government, but of their own life.  The magi give us the perfect testimony of acknowledging Jesus as king and submitting to him.

In contrast to Caesar, the humble arrival of Jesus shows a very different kingdom with a very different gospel.  Peace is not attained through power and conquest, but through a God who willingly set aside power to redeem the world.  For shepherds like us, that is truly good news.

Amidst all kinds of people laboring to enable the restoration of Israel, God comes to a common, insignificant person like Mary and speaks a whole new identity over her.  And her faith in him leads her to embrace an unexpected hope not only for her, but the whole world.