On Sunday morning, we looked at Galatians 4:21 to 5:1 together. Paul here compares freedom in Christ to slavery using some Old Testament illustrations. The main one is with Abraham and his two wives, Sarah and Hagar. Sarah was promised a child whose birth was impossible. After waiting for some time, Abraham married Hagar to make the promise happen and she gave birth to Ishmael. Later on, Sarah did have the child of promise named Isaac. Paul compares Christians to Isaac and those who are trying to follow the law to be right with God to Ishmael. We never become Christians by our own effort; it is always God's work, always only grace. We need to remember that we don't impress God or become Christian by being good and following the law. We are saved through Jesus alone, and then we should want to honour God in response. Legalism is always a threat to us, and we need to constantly remind ourselves of grace. Take time today to thank God for his grace in saving you.

On Sunday morning, we returned to the book of Galatians by looking at Galatians 4:8-20. Paul describes being a Christian as knowing God, which is relational rather than following rules. Just like a child belongs to the family prior to obeying their parents, Christians belong to God prior to being obedient. This passage was more personal than others in the book; Paul recounts the warm welcome he received from the Galatians. One mark of Christians who understand grace is their welcome of others and joy in the gospel. If we focus on rules instead, we exclude people rather than welcome them. We should be passionate people, but passionate about Jesus and what He has done rather than how well we follow rules. Take time to thank God for Jesus this week.