The Israelites had a strong identity - they were a chosen people. The message of the gospel is that we have that same identity through Jesus! The church is a family with purpose - God's purpose! This message here from Zechariah gives a wonderful picture of God's plan for his church!

First read Deuteronomy and Leviticus and then reread this passage. Jon reminds us how delighted and released the new Christians would have felt being reminded of the curse of the Law. We too should feel that same release! It is only by grace that we are saved - nothing we did or can ever do can change that!

Do you believe IN the amazing truth of the gospel or do you BELIEVE the amazing the truth of the gospel for youself! Abraham had faith for what God could do for him, in him, with him, through him! He held on to God's promise!

Paul continues on his theme of grace - reminding the church in Galatia that they can't finish God's work in their own strength, they can't just add one little bit to make it better - Jesus declared it finished on the cross!

We have been rescued! Hallelujah! Let's not jump back into the raging torrent!

A message of grace and forgiveness from Paul! We are blameless and spotless in God's sight because of what Jesus did on the cross - not because of anything we can ever do.

What is the essential Gospel message for any given moment? Paul always connected Jesus to the people he spoke to in their situation. What a challenge!

Paul had travelled to Jerusalem to have his "gospel" examined. The gospel remains the same - not our gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ, nothing added, nothing taken away! But like Paul we need to stand strong so that the truth is perserved, especially in a world that challenges everything!

What is grace? What does mean to be called by grace? Steve and Andy use Paul's testimony here to illustrate the wonderful gift of God that is given to us by his revelation.

It's no good seeking God's approval! We already haveit! There is nothing we can do to win it! We are approved by God! And so is the person sitting next to us so who are we to judge differently? What about man's approval? Does that do us any good?

Mary chose the one thing that was necessary - she spent time at the Lord's feet, listening to Jesus. In the hectic, loud world we live in where the tendency is for us to have to prove our worth through business and achievement it is good to be reminded of the one thing that is necessary.