Reflect
Paul’s concern with Peter (and other Jews including Barnabas) has to do with legalism. Peter begins separating himself from Gentiles based the fact they were not following the Jewish food laws. From this point of confrontation, Paul then addresses what justifies us before God. Justification speaks to how God sees us, in that those who are justified are seen as not guilty before God. This verdict of “not guilty”, is only because of what Christ has done, not because of what Christ has done… AND because one has kept the laws around food or circumcision, etc. Paul reminds Peter, the Galatians and us about the need for Christ to be crucified, and that in His crucifixion the penalty is paid. No works must be added to Jesus’ sacrifice to make us acceptable to God. Legalism can sneak into our understanding of what should and should not be essential for what we would call a Christian. To be sure, we understand that for those who disregard Jesus and oppose His teaching, we would struggle to believe if they identified themselves also as Jesus followers. But in Romans we are reminded that “all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory”. Those with saving faith in Jesus are recipients of such great grace. Grace that declares us justified in the eyes of God because of what Jesus has done for us.
Pastor Mike
Pray
- Pray for our Senior Lead Team Pastor, Lyle Buyer, his ministry, and family.
- Pray for our Church Board members: Beth Cheung, Gerhard Hiob, Hal Reirson, JD Kliewer, Mary Jetha, Mike Ross, Randy Voss, Seth Jansen, Trevor Toews, Uwem Okome.
- Pray for our Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Facilities Manager, Joe Richards.
- Pray for our office staff: Vicky Bailey, Naomi Voss; bookkeeper Liudmyla Lushchyk.