Everyone knows about Jesus' death on the cross. Many people think that Jesus left his disciples to work out what it meant and how much it mattered. In these verses we see Jesus' own view about his death and why without it we lose everything that makes the Christian message worth believing in.

All through the history of the church, people have sought to add to the Christian gospel by suggesting that believers must do more than simply hear and believe to be secure in their faith. Paul argues in the strongest possible terms against such suggestions. He appeals to the Christian's own experience, Abraham and to the Old Testament law to make his point. This part of Galatians will fortify the Christian to stand against any who would add to the gospel.

All through the history of the church, people have sought to add to the Christian gospel by suggesting that believers must do more than simply hear and believe to be secure in their faith. Paul argues in the strongest possible terms against such suggestions. He appeals to the Christian's own experience, Abraham and to the Old Testament law to make his point. This part of Galatians will fortify the Christian to stand against any who would add to the gospel.

Jesus offered a place in his kingdom to anyone who will receive it like a child. But does he really mean that? Now we meet a man with the best possible chance of contributing something to Jesus, and see why Jesus sends him away.

In every important cause, there comes a moment of crisis when it will either persist or collapse. For Paul, that came as the whole church appeared to undermine the death of Christ. Galatians 2:11-21 shows us why our approach to the Old Testament Law has the potential to oppose, or serve, the cause of the gospel.

In these verses, the apostle Paul exposes what threatens the gospel of grace, and also describes from personal experience the difference the gospel of grace makes.

Jesus tells us that 'whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it'. But what does this favourite verse of the Sunday school teacher really mean? Only as we hold the verse in its context does its meaning become clear.

Contrary to the claims of the false teachers in Galatia, there is nothing lacking in Paul’s gospel of Jesus’ radical rescue through radical grace. The gospel Paul received came directly through an encounter with Christ. We along with the original hearers can be confident that there is no righteousness or ritual that needs to be added to the complete and sufficient rescue we have in Christ.

The gospel is momentous news with eternal consequences. In this passage, the apostle Paul demonstrates that his gospel really is from God, and it really is for all nations.

Virtue signalling is defined as 'the conspicuous expressing of moral standards with the primary intent of enhancing social standing'. It is everywhere. But what would Jesus have to say of the virtue signaller? In the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector, the Pharisee trusts in himself for his righteousness and treats others with contempt. The default setting of those who exalt themselves is that they despise others. Jesus tells us that in his kingdom there will be a great reversal.