November 18, 2022

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:6-7)

Our bottle of acetaminophen says it “contains acetaminophen.” Good to know what you are getting, even if it seems a little obvious. Sometimes in churches you don’t get what is advertised. They tell you that they are preaching the gospel, but then they lay down burdens on you. Usually, this is in the “application” part of the sermon.

Paul has some choice words for the people peddling a false gospel in Galatia. Whenever you hear about what you should do instead of hearing about what He has already done, you know there is something other than acetaminophen in the acetaminophen bottle, metaphorically speaking, of course.

“Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn,and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you havegiven us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Proper 28 – BCP)