Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?
Summary: Paul raises an interesting question. Does God work miracles through his law or through his Spirit?
Continue reading “Galatians 3:5 – Personal Miracles”(Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law) … or by believing what you heard?
Summary: This mediation takes us on an wonderful journey. Putting the pieces of this verse/puzzle together, we see how God uses the law to bring us into his fold.
Continue reading “Galatians 3:2d – Fence and Gate”(Did you receive the Spirit) … by the works of the law …?
Summary: The “works of the law” are intended to show us our need for God, not answer that need.
Continue reading “Galatians 3:2c – The Greatest Command”I would like to learn just one thing from you …
Summary: Paul’s preface to his question presents us with an interesting premise. If, instead of asking twenty questions, you can only ask one, what is the important question to ask?
Continue reading “Galatians 3:2a – One Thing”Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.
Summary: Trying to keep up with Paul’s logic can be challenging. Today’s passage challenges us to consider the importance of Christ’s crucifixion to Paul’s argument against circumcision.
Continue reading “Galatians 3:1b – The Best Kind of News”I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
Summary: Paul has led us up the mountainous trail of his logical reasoning for many verses. We are finally at the top of the mountain, where Paul presents us with a choice. We can jump off on one side or the other, but not both.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:21 – The Knife’s Edge”… and gave himself for me.
Summary: Knowing that Jesus gave himself for us only has meaning if we know we need him.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:20g – The Cold Light of Day”I live by faith in the Son of God …
Summary: Paul sets an example for us when he lives by faith in Jesus.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:20e – Living by Faith”The life I now live in the body …
Summary: Paul is acutely aware of how his life has changed after encountering Jesus. In today’s passage he begins to describe the difference.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:20d – Hand and Glove”… and I no longer live,
Summary: Understanding Paul’s meaning requires what the psychologists call “active listening.” We must expand our thinking to engage Paul’s mind and vision for what he means.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:20b – The Definition of Evil”