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A powerful message by Pastor Jimmie Vowles Stop at the Cross Father, we pray for revelation and understanding. We ask for a deeper knowledge of who You are, of Your love for us, and of Your divine plan for our lives. As we pause and stop at the cross in this moment, Lord, let us see only You, Jesus—no one else. Amen. As I said last week, there is no true knowledge apart from the cross. At the cross, we come to the knowledge of both ourselves and of God. It immediately confronts us with our natural human nature and with divine love. Last week, as we sang that song and focused on Jesus, I could picture Him on the cross—bleeding, suffering, and in agony. Then, as I looked at myself through the words of Godfrey Birtill’s song (When I look at the blood), I realized there was no hierarchy at the cross, no competition, no hatred, envy, or jealousy—none of the things that often mark human life. It cut me to the core. I thought, “Oh my God, Jesus—so often I am all of these things. But when I look at Your cross, I should not be.” When we look at the cross—truly stop there daily—we are faced with absolute beauty and divine love we do not deserve. It is as though we are looking into a mirror, and we begin to see ourselves more clearly. We realize that Jesus, even in His suffering, displayed no unrighteous anger, no jealousy, no lust for power—only perfect love and obedience. The cross helps us see the seriousness of our sin and our complete inability to save ourselves from it. Even our imagination has been tainted by the fall. We can hardly picture what Eden was like—its safety, beauty, peace, and order. It is difficult for us to comprehend how shocking sin was to a perfect world. A sinful world feels normal to us—until we stop at the cross. There, we meet Jesus, and our sin is dealt with. Only then do we begin to see how God truly intends us to live. When you first came to Christ, you felt that deep conviction of sin. You looked at the cross and said, “Oh my goodness—I need this in my life.” And as you walk with Jesus, your old self begins to fall away. You start to think, “That’s not how God intended me to live.” Your actions change; your heart softens. You become more like Him. And as you look at the brokenness of the world, your heart aches because you were once part of it. Scripture says that He “has transferred us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son.” That is the beauty you see when you first come to the cross—and it continues as you walk with Him. When we experience God’s love and presence, when revelation from His Word fills us, we are overwhelmed. That same glory will fill heaven for all eternity. There will be no depression, no anxiety, no sin. That is what the cross brings us into—a deeper understanding of the love of God. The theologian Fleming Rutledge once asked, “Why did the Son of God die in the worst possible way? Why crucifixion and not another method?” The answer: because it reveals the depth of depravity caused by human rebellion against God. The cross shows us how truly broken we are—and how deep God’s love goes to redeem us. I once heard a man say that when he prayed for revelation of the cross, God showed him a vision of Jesus hanging there, every kind of filth and depravity poured upon Him—every unimaginable evil humans commit. Seeing Jesus suffer in that way led him to deeper repentance and greater love for God’s will. Indeed, the cross reveals both the depth of human sin and the height of God’s wisdom and love. C.S. Lewis captures this beautifully through Aslan’s words in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: “The Witch knew the Deep Magic, but there is a magic deeper still which she did not know. If she could have looked further back, before the dawn of time, she would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor’s stead, the Table would crack, and death itself would start working backwards.” When we stop at the cross, we see the magnitude of God’s love and character. It is beyond comprehension. No film, no novel, no human story of love can compare. Godfrey Birtill sings, “When I look at the blood, all I see is love, love, love.” That is what we see when we stop at the cross—the love of God. But what we do not see at the cross is equally revealing. There is no competition, no pride, no abuse of power or manipulation, no rage or selfish ambition. There is no unforgiveness, envy, bitterness, or jealousy. No empire-building, no self-importance. When I read the lyrics on the screen that morning, every line pierced my heart. How many times have I manipulated others, held grudges, been prideful or envious? Yet at the cross, all these things shrink away in the light of His love. When we truly stop at the cross, we realize how unlike Jesus we are. He displayed none of these traits. And our response must be humility: “Lord, You are the only one who is important. Teach me to walk humbly before You.” We need to go to the cross daily, to let our pride and self-importance diminish in His presence. The Humility of the Cross Philippians 2:1–8 reminds us of this humility: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself… Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus… who made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.” How hard it is to think of ourselves less! Yet Paul calls us to value others above ourselves. When I come to church, I should not exalt myself above my brother or sister, but lift them up, even when I am struggling. That is the mind of Christ—humility, grace, and love. Jesus, though fully God, humbled Himself in every way. He chose to be born to a poor family, in a stable, to a mother who described herself as lowly. His earthly father was a carpenter. Even their offering at the temple—a pair of doves—showed their poverty. Jesus chose that. He chose humility. Throughout His life, He never failed in submission to God. He said, “I do not seek My own will, but the will of the Father who sent Me.” (John 5:30) For thirty-three years, He was fully obedient. Even in Gethsemane, sweating blood in agony, He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) When He came to John the Baptist to be baptized, John protested, saying, “I need to be baptized by You.” But Jesus replied, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15) Even in that moment, the sinless Son of God chose humility. In the wilderness, when tempted by Satan to prove His divinity, Jesus refused. He would not act out of pride or self-importance. And even at the Last Supper, knowing the cross was near, He washed His disciples’ feet, leaving them—and us—an example of humility and servant leadership. John the Baptist understood this when he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) That is the essence of Christian humility. If we do not decrease, Christ cannot be seen in us. The cross strips away pride and self-importance until only Jesus remains visible. So we must go to the cross every day. When pride, bitterness, or unforgiveness rise up, we must stop there. Nothing else will shrink these things in us. At the cross, they cannot survive. The beauty of Jesus’ humility exposes and dissolves all pride. Let us pray: “Lord, strip from us pride, envy, unforgiveness, selfish ambition, and all that separates us from Your humility. Holy Spirit, help these things to shrink in our lives. Point us to the cross. Stop us there until we see Your divine love again. Teach us humility. Renew our minds so we may have the mind of Christ.” When we stop at the cross, everything that exalts self, fades away. What remains is Jesus—His love, His grace, His humility. That is where transformation happens. As E.M. Bounds once wrote: “All God’s plans have the mark of the cross upon them, and all His plans have death to self in them.” May we stop at the cross daily—until self-decreases and Christ increases in us. Amen

Psalm 1 is a powerful introduction to the entire Book of Psalms. It sets the tone for understanding the blessings of living a righteous life and the consequences of choosing a path away from God’s wisdom. This psalm contrasts two ways of life - the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked - and offers profound insights into how we can live in alignment with divine principles. In this post, we will explore the key lessons from Psalm 1 and how they can inspire and guide us today. Understanding Psalm 1 Sermon Insights Psalm 1 opens with a clear distinction between two types of people: those who delight in the law of the Lord and those who do not. The righteous person is described as one who avoids the counsel of the wicked, the path of sinners, and the seat of scoffers. Instead, they find joy and meditation in God’s law day and night. This psalm highlights the importance of choosing our influences carefully . It reminds us that the company we keep and the thoughts we entertain shape our character and destiny. The righteous are like trees planted by streams of water, flourishing and bearing fruit in season. Their stability and prosperity come from their deep roots in God’s word. On the other hand, the wicked are compared to chaff blown away by the wind - unstable and without lasting value. Their way leads to destruction and judgment. These insights encourage us to reflect on our daily choices and the spiritual nourishment we seek. By embracing the wisdom of Psalm 1, we can cultivate a life that is fruitful, resilient, and blessed. The Practical Application of Psalm 1 Sermon Insights Living according to Psalm 1 means more than just avoiding bad company. It involves actively delighting in and meditating on God’s law. This can be practised through: Daily reading and reflection on scripture to internalise its teachings. Avoiding negative influences such as harmful media, toxic relationships, or destructive habits. Engaging in community with like-minded individuals who encourage spiritual growth. Applying biblical principles in decision-making, work, and relationships. For example, if you find yourself frequently influenced by pessimistic or unethical people, Psalm 1 challenges you to reconsider those associations. Instead, seek out mentors or friends who inspire integrity and kindness. Another practical step is to create a routine for meditation on scripture. This could be a morning devotional time or journaling about a verse that stood out during the day. Such habits help root your life in wisdom and provide guidance during challenges. What are the three main points of the psalm? Psalm 1 can be summarised into three main points that serve as pillars for righteous living: Avoidance of Negative Influences The psalm warns against walking in the counsel of the wicked, standing in the way of sinners, or sitting in the seat of scoffers. This progression shows increasing involvement with ungodly behaviour, which must be resisted. Delight and Meditation on God’s Law The righteous person finds joy in the law of the Lord and meditates on it constantly. This ongoing engagement with scripture nourishes the soul and shapes character. The Outcome of the Righteous vs. the Wicked The righteous are like well-watered trees, stable and fruitful, while the wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind. This contrast illustrates the lasting impact of our choices. Understanding these points helps us focus on what matters most: cultivating a life rooted in God’s wisdom and avoiding the pitfalls of ungodly influences. How Psalm 1 Inspires Personal Growth and Resilience One of the most encouraging aspects of Psalm 1 is its promise of stability and fruitfulness for those who follow God’s ways. The imagery of a tree planted by streams of water suggests a life that is well-nourished and able to withstand droughts and storms. This metaphor can inspire us to develop resilience in our own lives. When we root ourselves in positive values and spiritual truths, we are better equipped to face challenges without being uprooted or overwhelmed. Personal growth also comes from the discipline of meditation on scripture. This practice sharpens our understanding, renews our mind, and aligns our actions with higher principles. Over time, this leads to a character that reflects wisdom, patience, and integrity. To foster this growth: Set aside regular time for prayer and reflection. Memorise key verses that encourage and guide you. Practice gratitude and recognise the blessings in your life. Seek accountability partners who support your spiritual journey. By doing so, you build a foundation that supports long-term wellbeing and purpose. Embracing the Message of Psalm 1 in Daily Life The message of Psalm 1 is timeless and practical. It calls us to make conscious choices about what we allow into our minds and hearts. It challenges us to find joy in God’s word and to live in a way that produces good fruit. For those seeking deeper understanding, exploring psalm one sermons can provide valuable perspectives and applications. These sermons often unpack the rich symbolism and offer encouragement for living out the psalm’s teachings. In everyday life, this might look like: Choosing uplifting books, music, and conversations. Setting goals that align with ethical and spiritual values. Helping others and contributing positively to your community. Reflecting regularly on your personal growth and areas for improvement. By embracing these principles, you can experience the blessings promised in Psalm 1 - a life marked by peace, purpose, and prosperity. Psalm 1 offers a clear and compelling vision for righteous living. Its insights encourage us to avoid harmful influences, delight in God’s law, and trust in the stability that comes from a life rooted in divine wisdom. By applying these lessons, we can cultivate resilience, grow in character, and enjoy the abundant blessings of a life well-lived.

The Importance of Galatians Today, we are going to study Galatians chapter 2. Before we dive in, let’s explore why the book of Galatians matters. It can be easy to tune out when we hear terms like “the law and the gospel.” However, this book is especially significant. Martin Luther regarded it as one of the most important texts in the entire Bible. In this letter, Paul boldly asserts his authority as an apostle. He defends both his calling and the message he received directly from Christ. He confronts pressing issues: How are we made right with God? How are we made righteous? Paul makes it clear that salvation comes by faith alone, not by the works of the law. He exposes the dangers of false gospels and clarifies the true gospel of Christ. Understanding the Role of the Law Paul also wrestles with the role of the law. He explains its purpose and how it relates to believers under the new covenant. He challenges the distinctions between Jews and Gentiles in the church, emphasising our unity in Christ. Most powerfully, Paul explains the meaning of true freedom—freedom that releases us from bondage to the law. This freedom calls us to live lives of love and service as we walk by the Spirit. This is not just an ancient religious issue. It remains a real and pressing question today. Even among sincere believers, confusion often arises over the relationship between faith, works, and the law. You may have heard people say things like: “We should follow the Old Testament law because Jesus did.” “Salvation is by faith, but you still need to live a certain way to prove it.” “Christians should obey the Ten Commandments, but not the other 603.” Statements like these highlight how deeply the church needs to understand Galatians. Paul’s letter cuts through the confusion. It shows how the gospel transforms our relationship to the law and what it truly means to live by faith. The struggles faced by the early church in Galatia are still challenges for us today. Galatians provides the answers we need to walk in the freedom and grace of Christ, revealing a gospel just as radical now as it was 2,000 years ago. Amen. A Brief Overview of Chapter 1 Now, let us turn to chapter 2. Before we dive in, let’s quickly recap chapter 1. Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul around AD 49, though it may have been as late as AD 55 or 56. The Galatians were Celtic people living in what is now central Turkey. The main purpose of Paul’s letter was to correct the Judaizers—those who wanted to bring Christians back under the law. Paul insists that salvation is by faith in Christ alone. Adding anything to the gospel distorts it. This error has never gone away. Even today, many religions and movements try to add something to Christ. The Passion of Paul The letter to the Galatians is full of passion and argument. It is not always popular, but true believers love it. Some may think Paul is too passionate or too emotional, but his zeal is for the truth of the gospel. As we move into chapter 2, Paul continues to address critics who compare him unfavourably to the “big apostles”—Peter, James, and John. These critics, many from the circumcision group, believed that Christians must believe in Jesus and keep the law of Moses. Paul strongly opposed this. Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem In verses 1–5, Paul recalls going up to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus. Titus, a Greek Gentile, was not compelled to be circumcised. This was crucial because false brothers had infiltrated the church. They tried to spy out the freedom believers have in Christ and bring them into bondage. Paul refused to yield to them, even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain. In verses 6–10, Paul explains that the senior apostles added nothing to his message. On the contrary, they recognised the grace of God in him. They gave him and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, affirming his call to preach to the Gentiles while they focused on the Jews. The only request was that he remember the poor—a task Paul was eager to do. Confrontation in Antioch Then in verses 11–13, we see Paul confronting Peter in Antioch. Peter had been eating with the Gentiles, recognising them as equals in Christ. However, when men from James arrived, Peter withdrew, fearing the circumcision group. Even Barnabas was led astray by this hypocrisy. Paul opposed Peter to his face because his behaviour compromised the truth of the gospel. Hypocrisy, Paul reminds us, is infectious and must be dealt with quickly in the church. Justification by Faith In verses 14–16, Paul explains his rebuke to Peter: “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile, how can you compel Gentiles to live like Jews?” Paul states emphatically that no one is justified by works of the law, but only by faith in Jesus Christ. He repeats this truth three times for emphasis: justification comes by faith alone, not by the works of the law. Peter himself had already learned this lesson in Acts 10. God gave him a vision of a sheet full of animals, declaring that nothing God has made clean should be called unclean. Peter learned then that Gentiles were to be accepted as full members of God’s family. Yet here in Antioch, Peter acted against that revelation. Paul reminded him—and the whole church—that justification is by faith, not by law. The Heart of Galatians Finally, in verses 17–21, Paul makes one of the most powerful declarations of the Christian life: “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, then Christ died for nothing.” This is the heart of Galatians. Salvation is by grace through faith. We live not by our works, but by Christ living in us. That is true freedom, and that is the gospel. Amen. Personal Prayer Next time in Chapter 3, we find Paul giving strong correction to the Galatian churches. He uses a series of rhetorical questions to remind them of the true Gospel they had previously believed.

Isaiah 61:1-2 and Luke 4:18-19 Isaiah 61:1-2 1 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound. 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God. To comfort all who mourn,   Jesus quoted from this scripture showing that the Holy Spirit had anointed him, like the holy oil used to consecrate holy persons (the priests) and holy things (in the tabernacle and temple). Yeshua Ha’Meshiach in Hebrew becomes Jesus Christos in the Greek i.e. the anointed one and we Christians are the little ‘anointed ones’. The anointing confers God’s power on the anointed one showing that the Messiah is chosen and empowered by God. The Messiah would fulfil this scripture which is exactly what Jesus did in Luke 4:18-19 These verses describe the essence of Jesus’ mission or ministry. The ministry of the Messiah is empowered to bring healing, freedom, and comfort to his people i.e. full redemption.   Back to Luke Luke 4:20 Then He closed the book and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 So all bore witness to Him and marvelled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” v20-21 Jesus did not prolong his message but stuck closely to the point which was that those people privileged to hear these gracious words were actually simply hearing not only these prophetic words about the coming Messiah but were witnesses to the actual Messiah proclaiming them- in a sense Jesus is saying – the promised Messiah- I am he. v22 the congregation were astonished by these (lit.) words of grace- but wanted to dismiss Jesus claims of being ‘the Messiah’ – who does he think he is – I kent [1] his faither Joseph. Will not the Messiah come from royalty and come on a big white horse to defeat the Romans?   In Part 3 we will consider the onward transmission of Jesus’ manifesto (mission) through the church.       [1] Scottish vernacular used to make a point.

The summary of the onward transmission of Jesus’ Manifesto and the biblical basis for it applying to all believers. The summary of the onward transmission of the Great Commission is as follows below. Jesus -Luke 4:18-19 manifesto for humanity-given in the synagogue. Jesus -Mark 16:15-18 the 11 disciples-when Jesus appeared after the resurrection. Jesus -Matthew 28:18-20 great commission- to the disciples-spreading out to the nations The Holy Spirit-Acts 2:1-4 Pentecost- to the 120 in the upper room then to thousands in the Jerusalem-then beyond The bible and the church through the ages - to you and me today Does the Great Commission still apply today? Was this not just for the original 12 disciples? No see the biblical evidence below. Not everyone is an evangelist! -True but we are all called to be witnesses. Evidence that it still applies to all believers. 1.      The command to witness is for all believers. 2.      The example of ordinary believers in the early church. 3.      The Gospel places a stewardship on us. 4.      The work of the ministry in Ephesians 4:12.   1.The commands to witness are given to all followers of Christ. Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This verse gives a command from the risen Lord to all his followers. 2 Cor. 5:18-20 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us  the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2. Consider the example of “ordinary believers” in the early church. As we follow the storyline of the early church it is obvious that the apostles sought to evangelize and disciple others. But we see ordinary believers sharing the gospel as well. We read in Acts 8:1, “And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” And what did those ordinary believers do?  Acts 8:4 “Now those who were scattered went about preaching ( euangelizomenoi ) the word.”  They went about sharing the gospel with others. 3. Consider the stewardship the gospel confers on us. Jesus reminds us, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). We have been given no greater gift than the gospel, and we have no greater stewardship than to share that message of good news with others. Paul expresses it well in 2 Corinthians 5:14: “for the love of Christ compels us.” 4. Finally, consider what Paul calls “the work of ministry” in Ephesians 4:11-12 The 5-fold ministry (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers). The reason God “gifts” the church with such leaders is so that they will “equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” -(Eph. 4:12).  And we should certainly include sharing the Gospel in “the work of ministry.” In conclusion all believers need to be carrying on the work of the Great Commission today. Amen Personal Prayer

The Great Commission Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus’ mission (manifesto) was passed down to the disciples and so on, all the way down to us believers today. Mark 16:15-18 is similar to Matthew 28:18-20 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything dead ly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Jesus’ manifesto was first passed to the 11 disciples and ultimately to the whole church including us- c.f Matthew 28:18-20 The Great Commission is our commission. Many believers look for confirmation in a “calling.” But Jesus did not call some (or any) of his followers to his mission. Rather, he called them to himself and sent them on mission. If you are walking with Jesus, his manifesto is incumbent on you and me.  Every disciple must be a disciple-maker, whether God sends you down the street or to the other side of the world. As you go to work, to the grocery store, to the foodbank, or to the gym- live and love like Jesus. Be confident in his authority. Mark 16:15-18 describes the full gospel: salvation from sin, deliverance from demons, healing and curing of sickness and disease, and immunity from poisons. The next transmission of Jesus’ manifesto was in: The Great Commission Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Consider the four “alls” of Christ’s commission, “All authority”, To go to “all nations”, To communicate “all his teaching,” strengthened by his presence “all the time” (translated always). Jesus claims to have all authority in the universe to lead us on this journey. He claims that his teaching is the most important thing in life to follow and therefore, he claims that all nations need to know his teaching. And last but not least, he claims that he will be with us for all time. Huge claims, and in the literal sense, incredible — you would not believe them unless Jesus is God. Whatever, the four “alls” might mean for you and me and wherever the Lord takes us, be it near or far we must not let fear crowd out our faith. Jesus spoke these words to give us a task and to give us courage in and through the task. These four “alls” remind us that the burden is not on us but on Jesus Christ himself. However, we are obliged to obey Jesus’ command, for the Great Commission is for every believer. Amen Personal Prayer In Part 4 we consider the onward transmission of Jesus’ manifesto on the day of Pentecost.

Verses 15-29 The changeless promise v.15-18 The purpose of the Law v.19-25 Heirs of the Promise v.26-29 Last time in Part 3A (Ch3:1-14) we saw that Paul tried to bring correction to the Galatian Christians using a series of rhetorical questions. As was as though they had fallen under the spell of the Judaizing teachers who wanted to put them back under the Mosaic Law including circumcision! Paul reminded them that we can only be justified by faith in Christ alone, anything else is a distortion of the true gospel. We pick up now at v.15 Verses 15–18: The Changeless Promise “Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as of many, but as of one, ‘And to your Seed,’ who is Christ. And this I say that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.” Paul compares God’s covenant with Abraham to a legal contract. Once ratified, a covenant cannot be annulled or altered. God’s covenant with Abraham came 430 years before  the law. Therefore, the law cannot cancel or override it. The promise was to Abraham and to his Seed—singular. Paul makes the theological point that this “Seed” is Christ. All the blessings flow through Him. If the inheritance were based on law, it would no longer be a promise, but something earned. But salvation is by promise, by grace—not by performance. Verses 19–25: The Purpose of the Law “What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator… Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” The law was given for three main reasons: To expose sin  – to reveal our need for salvation. To restrain sin  – to provide a moral framework for society. To prepare the way for Christ  – it was temporary, given “until the Seed should come.” The law was given through angels and mediated by Moses, showing it was indirect when compared to God’s direct promise to Abraham. The law was never against God’s promises—it just could not give life. Instead, it confined everyone under sin so that salvation could only come through faith in Christ. Paul says the law functioned as a “tutor” or “guardian.” Its role was to lead us to Christ, but once faith has come, we are no longer under that guardian. Verse 26 – Children of God by Faith “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” That is what Paul says. And notice, it is not through the law, it is not through rituals, it is through faith. This is our official status — sons of God. And yes, that includes the ladies as well. It is not about gender here; it is about standing. By believing in Christ, you become part of God’s family. Verse 27 – Clothed with Christ “For as many of you as were baptised into Christ have put on Christ.”What does it mean to “put on Christ”? Baptism symbolises being united with Him. To put on Christ means to take on His identity, His righteousness, His life. It is like wearing new clothes — the old has gone, the new has come. We are clothed with His character and His standing before God. Verse 28 – Radical Equality in Christ “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”This is revolutionary. Paul breaks down all the barriers — racial, social, economic, gender divisions. In Christ, every believer stands equal. No one has an advantage, and no one is left out. Now, God still appoints authority in the church and in the home, but in terms of salvation and spiritual standing, we are utterly equal before Him. Verse 29 – Heirs of the Promise “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” This is powerful. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s true offspring. That means the promises God made to Abraham apply to you. Remember that old Sunday school song — “Father Abraham had many sons”? Well, we really are his children by faith. The blessings God promised Abraham are fulfilled in Christ and flow to us, not through lineage, not through the law, but through faith. Key Takeaway from Verses 26–29 Paul’s message here is revolutionary. Faith in Christ redefines who belongs to God’s family. It is not about race, not about status, not about gender. It is about faith that unites us with Christ and makes us heirs of the promise. That is wonderful news. Learning Points from Chapter 3 (Summary): Faith, not law, brings the Holy Spirit.  Paul asked, “Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?” It was by faith. Salvation is by grace, not by performance. Abraham is our model of faith.  He believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. True children of Abraham are those who believe. God’s promise came before the law.  The covenant of grace was established centuries before the law was given. The law did not cancel God’s promise. The law’s temporary role.  The law was given to expose sin and act as a guardian until Christ came. It was never the final solution. Unity and identity in Christ.  Through faith, we become children of God, clothed with Christ, equal in standing, and heirs of Abraham’s promise. Closing Application So Galatians chapter 3 is a theological 'powerhouse'. Paul dismantles legalism and builds the case for faith as the only foundation of righteousness. The gospel transcends race, gender, and status. It unites us in Christ, and it opens the door to grace, equality, and inheritance in God’s family. No wonder Martin Luther loved this letter so much — it gets right to the heart of the gospel. Praise God for His grace in Christ Jesus. Amen Personal Prayer   Materials Consulted R.L. Solberg Galatians  Parts 1-3 YouTube

Verses 1-9 Justification by Faith Verses 10-14 The Law brings a Curse In chapter two, we saw that Paul went up to Jerusalem to meet the main apostles. It was like a “tale of two cities.” When Paul went to Jerusalem, he was warmly received—best friends with Peter and the other apostles, shaking hands, and receiving the right hand of fellowship. His ministry to the Gentiles was recognised. Importantly, none of his Gentile companions were forced to be circumcised. But in Antioch, things were quite different. Paul had to confront Peter directly. When Peter fell back under the law, God sent Paul to correct him. Paul exposed Peter’s hypocrisy publicly because it was dangerous for the church. Paul began to explain the difference between law and gospel. Circumcision, kosher food, and other aspects of the law were no longer required under the new covenant. He concluded that if we could be saved by obeying the law, then Christ died for nothing. Moving into Chapter Three Now, as we move into chapter three, here is some background: Paul had planted the churches in Galatia a few years earlier. In verses 2–5, Paul uses rhetorical questions—five or six of them—to bring the Galatians back to their senses, because they had been bewitched. It is worth noting that Paul mentions the Holy Spirit 18 times in Galatians. The Holy Spirit is central to this letter, and Paul repeatedly cites Him as the agent of true conversion. A rhetorical question, of course, is one that does not expect an answer because the answer is obvious. Paul uses this method powerfully in chapter three. Verses 1–4: Justification by Faith, Part 1 “O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish, having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?” Paul begins his defence of the gospel by reminding the Galatians that their salvation began with faith in Christ crucified, evidenced by the gift of the Holy Spirit. Our salvation has nothing to do with the law of Moses. It would be foolish for the Galatians to think that having begun with the Spirit, they could reach Christian maturity through human effort. Paul says it is as if a spell had been cast over them—they were losing sight of the cross and looking back to the law. Verses 5–9: Justification by Faith, Part 2 “Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith? Just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’ So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.” Paul makes the point again: miracles come by faith, not by the works of the law. The Jews claimed Abraham as their father, but Paul reminds them that Abraham was declared righteous because he believed God—430 years before the law was given. Therefore, the true sons of Abraham are not those who keep the law, but those who live by faith—both Jew and Gentile. Genesis 12:3 says: “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Paul explains that this promise finds its fulfilment in Christ, the true Seed of Abraham. They had no excuse: it was Paul himself who had explained the true gospel to them, more clearly than anyone else could. Imagine the disappointment for a teacher to see his students abandoning the very truths he had carefully taught. First rhetorical question (v.2):  How did you receive the Spirit? By faith. Second (v.3):  Are you so foolish as to begin with the Spirit and then try to mature by the flesh? We begin in the Spirit and must continue in the Spirit throughout our Christian life. Third (v.4):  Have you suffered so much in vain? Likely this refers to persecution from Judaizers, the same false teachers who pressured them about circumcision and kosher laws. Verses 10–14: The Law Brings a Curse (Part 1) “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.’ But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for ‘the just shall live by faith.’ Yet the law is not of faith, but ‘the man who does them shall live by them.’” Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 27:26. His argument is that anyone who fails to keep even one of the 613 laws is guilty of breaking them all. It is like a chain: break one link, and the whole chain is broken. So instead of bringing blessing, the law actually brings a curse, because it demands what no one can achieve. Only Christ ever fulfilled the law perfectly. The law requires absolute, continuous obedience. Verse 11 reminds us that “the just shall live by faith.” From the very beginning—even in the Old Testament—God’s way was faith, not law-keeping. Verses 13–14: The Law Brings a Curse (Part 2) “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’—that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Here Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 21:22–23. By being crucified (“hanged on a tree”), Jesus took the curse we deserved. The result is that the blessings promised to Abraham now come to the Gentiles through faith in Christ. This is a wonderful inheritance: justification before God, removal of the curse, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Paul is using a Jewish method of interpretation called midrash —drawing deeper meaning from a phrase. He takes “hanged on a tree” and shows its prophetic fulfilment in Christ’s crucifixion. Amen Personal Prayer In Chapter 3B We discuss the changeless promise God made to Abraham and to his promised Seed.

Luke 4:18-19 What was Jesus' mission and purpose on earth? Jesus' platform From time to time the UK news media is buzzing with speculation as to when the next UK general election will take place. Once the date is announced the politicians will be delivering their manifestos to entice the electorate to vote for them and their party. The manifesto contains the promises of what the politician intends to perform If the people elects them. In a sense that is what Jesus did in in the scripture Luke 4:18-19 which you could say was his manifesto, or his mission, or his agenda, or his platform, or even as his job description but please note his manifesto was based exclusively on the will of Father God as described in the Holy Scriptures. A what a wonderful manifesto it was, no one has before or since gave such wonderful promises to humankind as Jesus did in his manifesto. And unlike many politicians, Jesus delivered, then and now, each and every promise in his manifesto. PTL. Context of Luke 4:18-19 Luke 4:16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:                                                        Jesus’ Manifesto 18    The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed. 19    To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. Jesus was anointed (saturated) with the Holy Spirit to fulfil the specific purposes for which the Father God had sent him. Each point Jesus makes is part of the wonderful news in his manifesto. 1.To preach the Gospel the good news of salvation to the poor. The poor* being everyone who was as sinner and had no way of obtaining forgiveness of their sins and receiving God’s salvation. * biblically =dependent on others i.e. spiritually speaking to us all. 2. To heal the broken hearted- one of the Teen Challenge (addiction recovery) leaders explained to me that everyone who has addiction problems has had a broken heart in their relationships in life.  Many other people have had their hearts broken too in their life relationships and experiences but without addiction. Jesus came specifically to bind up the broken hearts to restore meaning, purpose, and wholeness to our lives. Remember Matthew 12:20 A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench, Till He sends forth justice to victory; (Isa 42:3) when we feel that we are hanging by a thread or that our candle flame is going to go out. Jesus binds up our strands and breathes his oxygen onto our flames. The wonderful news in Jesus’ manifesto continues. 3. Jesus came to set people free from the bondage and slavery of sin which takes them captive at will. The believer no longer is at the whim of sin but can stand against it in using the full panoply of armour of God and the weapons Jesus has given us. Jesus came to remove all our guilt, and shame-these are often Satan’s weapons to hold us back from serving God. 4. Not only did Jesus often heal the physical blindness in his earthly ministry but more importantly took away the blindness of the unbelievers when we were saved into God’s Kingdom. Remember the hymn line from ‘Amazing grace’: ‘I once was blind but now I see.’ That was you and I until we became believers. 5. Jesus came to set at liberty those who are oppressed by the devil, those held down from living their lives to the full by demonic oppression in its various manifestations. v19 The acceptable year of the Lord refers to the Jubilee year (50th) of the Lord in which land was returned to the original owner, all debts were forgiven, slaves were released- these are good parallels in the life of the believers when we are first saved. The Jubilee year was the year of redemption, Jesus announced that He was bringing full scale redemption to humankind in his manifesto. Amen Personal Prayer In part 2 we consider the words that Jesus read from Isaiah 61:1-2

There is only one true Gospel: Believe in Jesus period. Suppose someone came to you with the proposition: “I know something that could split the church of Jesus Christ in half.” You would consider that a serious threat, wouldn’t you? That is exactly what the book of Galatians deals with. The enemy tried to split the early church in two—between Jews and Gentiles. And yet, the message remains deeply relevant today.   The takeaway for us is simple: the book of Galatians teaches that salvation is in Jesus Christ alone. Not Jesus plus something else. Not faith plus works. Just Jesus.   When I first became a Christian, I was filled with joy. I felt as if I were walking on air, with a song in my heart every day. But then one day, someone pulled me aside in church and told me, “To really be a Christian, you also need to do this.” Immediately, the music in my heart slowed. I did not know much as a baby Christian, but I knew something was wrong. Any attempt to add requirements to salvation takes away the joy of the gospel. That is exactly our enemy what wants—to steal the music from your heart.   Paul preached the gospel in Galatia, a region of what is now modern Turkey. At one time, scholars thought he wrote to the northern Celtic tribes, but most now believe the letter was written to the churches in southern Galatia—major cities where Paul had ministered. Regardless, the message is the same: false teachers, called “Judaizers,” had entered the churches. They claimed that faith in Christ was not enough for salvation, and that believers must also keep the Mosaic law, including circumcision. Paul confronted this distortion head-on.   The Judaizers not only tried to add to the gospel but also sought to undermine Paul’s authority. They compared him unfavourably to Peter, James, and John, the apostles in Jerusalem. They questioned his credentials and dismissed his teaching. But Paul reminded the Galatians that his authority came not from man, but directly from Jesus Christ Himself.   This is why Galatians is often called the “Declaration of Christian Liberty.” It proclaims justification by faith alone—our right standing with God comes through Christ alone, not through works of the law. This message was at the heart of the Reformation, with Martin Luther famously saying he was “married” to the book of Galatians.   Not everyone has loved this epistle. Some say it is too emotional, too personal, too intellectual, too controversial, or too argumentative. But that passion reflects Paul’s urgency. He stripped away the niceties he usually included in his letters and got straight to the point—because the very truth of the gospel was at stake.   In chapter 1, Paul begins by establishing his apostleship: “not from men, nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father.” He reminds the Galatians that Jesus gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from this present evil age. He then expresses astonishment that they were turning so quickly to a “different gospel.” Paul uses strong language: even if an angel from heaven were to preach another gospel, “let him be accursed.”   This is striking because history has shown us exactly that. Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism, claimed to receive another gospel from the angel Moroni. Muhammad claimed the angel Gabriel gave him the Qur’an. Paul warned of this centuries earlier: if an angel brings a different gospel, it is not from God.   The true gospel is simple: salvation is a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ. Human nature tends to gravitate toward works, rules, and self-effort, but God finds this offensive. Any attempt to add to the gospel only brings bondage.   Paul then recounts his testimony. He once persecuted the church fiercely, even consenting to the death of believers. Yet, by God’s grace, he was transformed and called to preach Christ among the Gentiles. His message did not come from men but by revelation from Christ Himself. After his conversion, Paul spent time in Arabia, receiving direct revelation from God. Only years later did he briefly meet Peter and James in Jerusalem, and even then, his ministry was independent. His dramatic transformation—from persecutor to preacher—caused the churches to glorify God.   The same dangers Paul confronted remain with us today. Modern equivalents of the Judaizers include groups that add requirements to the gospel:   What about the Mormons, who want to add extra scriptures alongside the Bible. What about the Jehovah’s Witnesses, who also emphasise loyalty to their organisation and additional works. What about the Roman Catholics, who (depending on interpretation) may appear to add sacraments and church authority to the gospel of grace. Most Catholics disagree with this allegation. What about the prosperity preachers, who make material blessing a condition of true faith. What about the legalistic sects, who require special diets, dress codes, holy days, or denominational loyalty. Even within the Hebraic Roots movement (which I personally value for its insights), there are dangers when people insist that Jewish practices are required for salvation. The book of Galatians makes it crystal clear: we are not to go back under the law. So, what are the key lessons from today’s study? Paul was a true apostle, called directly by Christ. There is only one gospel: salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Adding anything to the gospel distorts it and robs us of liberty in Christ. False teachings are still with us today, so we must guard the truth carefully. Amen Personal Prayer Next time, we will move into Galatians chapter 2, where Paul defends the gospel further and even confronts Peter about his hypocrisy concerning Christian converts. Materials consulted David Pawson Unlocking the Bible  Galatians 1,2 R L Solberg Galatians Part 1 and 2 YouTube

The case for once saved always saved. Is it possible for a true born-again believer to lose their salvation and end up in the eternal lake of fire, separated from God forever? The question usually arises when someone we know or even perhaps ourselves, who previously professed Christianity but is now living far from Jesus and does not seem to even care. As we begin this important study it is crucial to remember that not everyone in any given fellowship may be truly born again! Our question in this study is focused on those who have truly been born-again. This study has three parts to it. 1. The need for holiness in the believer’s life. 2. Bible evidence to support ‘once saved always saved’. 3. Responses to those scriptures which appear to contradict this. It is clear from the teaching of the Bible that the Lord wants and indeed expects us to lead holy lives that bear fruit. It does matter how we live in every area of our lives, and we must not grieve the Holy Spirit who indwells us by living in constant sin. The grace of God and His righteousness in us are not a license to sin. Even if we do stumble our hearts should be quick to confess our sins to the Lord. Background Calvinists and Armenians Calvinists ( John Calvin 1509-1564 ) generally believe in Eternal Security. They believe that God knew everyone who would believe from before the foundation of the world, and because of this He called and chose each one. In this viewpoint God has done all the work for salvation in the past and the people will be saved in the future. One drawback from this point of view is that because it is so focused on the past it leaves out how the believers live in the present. When taken to extremes this could be taken to mean that it really does not matter how the Christian behaves and hence opens the door for widescale immorality. Arminians ( Jacob Arminius 1560-1609 ), on the other hand, concentrate much more on the present. They also believe God has called and chosen us, but that this calling works only on a day to day basis. So, if we live a holy life today, we are still saved, but if not, we are in instant danger of losing our salvation. Some Arminians become very legalistic and keep long sets of rules perhaps even to the extent of keeping all the law of Moses. Some are in more bondage to the law than any legalistic Jew! Most of what the Calvinists believe is scripturally correct, but a balanced biblical viewpoint must take the present into account. Jesus is alive today and .... He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever liveth to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:23-25 ). Israel needed a high priest to represent the people to God and in the same way Jesus Christ our high priest makes daily intercessions for each one of us. Our eternal security and salvation do not only depend in what the Lord has done in the past but also on the fact that Jesus Christ is interceding for us today. This means there is a present aspect to our salvation. In other words, if Jesus stopped interceding for us perhaps, we might lose our salvation. Praise God however that He can save us to the uttermost (panteles) meaning completely, utterly, or finally, or even better everlastingly (forever). This present aspect of our salvation means that God requires something from us today! Our present-day sin is still loathsome to God. Although Jesus paid the price in full for all our sins when we sin today, Jesus has to say to His Father ‘I suffered and died for that sin’. So, there is still a reaction in heaven when we sin though He graciously forgives us when we repent. Our sins are still of real significance today and we must remember that obedience is better than sacrifice. Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. The basis of our eternal security is founded in two equally important things. 1. The work and calling of God in the past 2. The living intercession of Christ for us. If we remember both aspects, they will keep us from extremes of considering sin unimportant or trying to live under the Law. Our love and gratitude to Jesus will lead us into greater holiness. Some Arminian preachers are frightened to preach on God’s grace in case it will promote sin in the believer’s lives. The Bible however teaches that as we acquire an understanding of the grace and love of God and a revelation that Jesus is constantly interceding for us, then we will be inspired to lead holy lives. The supporting scriptures for this motivation to holiness are given below [1] . From these scriptures it is clear that God does not employ fear or outward things to spur us on to holiness but rather it is the truth inside us that will cause a response from our hearts. We respond to God’s love and grace. Those forgiven most, love most! Holiness needs a new nature. No matter how good on external appearances people are, only the new birth can really change their nature. People who have only received the Gospel in their heads are often more difficult to convert because they think they are already saved. Amen Personal prayer [1 ] Titus 2 11-13. Ephesians 2:8-10. Romans 6:11-15. 1 Corinthians 6:15-20. Ephesians 3:20 -4 22. 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12. Collossians 3:1. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. 1 John 3:13.

Eternal security and the Trinity Two Views of Salvation Some people would say that man’s work can help him earn salvation, whereas others say salvation is entirely God’s work. If salvation can be earned or deserved in any way, based on our actions, then there is a possibility that we might stumble and lose it again. This is in effect a ‘social gospel’ a gospel based on good works. This would mean that salvation was gained by doing good works and implies a necessary standard of conduct. If, like most Christians we believe that salvation is entirely the work of God, then we could only lose it through some failure on God’s part. This is of course impossible. The Bible is clear on this point that salvation is a gift of God . Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Four Foundational Principles for the Eternal Security of a believer 1. God’s omniscience ; he knows everything, past, present, and future. He knows each one of us at our worst (faults and failings) and at our best. He knew what he was doing when he saved each one of us. He was big enough to complete the task of preparing us for eternity. Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. See also 2 Timothy 2:13, Isaiah 46:9-10. 2. The nature of a gift from God; Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. A wage is earned, but a gift is given, the Greek word for gift charisma means a gift. Eternal life is a gift, and the Scripture says in Romans 11 :29 the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. If we could lose our salvation, then surely God’s omniscience and grace would be in doubt! 3. The work of the Trinity in our salvation All three personalities of the triune Godhead co-operated in our salvation. The idea that any or all of them failed is absurd. a) The work of the Father . Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Father God planned our salvation and has adopted us into his family. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: It was the Father who began the good work in us, and He will faithfully complete it. b) The work of the Son Jesus died for every sin; past, present, and future. If even one sin was not covered by his blood, then we would be in grave danger. But thank God that no sin can now affect God’s plan, because they have all been considered since Jesus died for the sins of the whole world. Jesus is our advocate ( 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not . And if any man sin , we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:). The parakletos (advocate) means one called alongside to help. Jesus does not turn his back on us when we sin but rather, he rushes to the Father saying, ‘Yes, I know he is guilty, but I paid for that sin on the cross’. When we get to heaven there will be great rejoicing ‘ He (Jesus) shall see the travail of his soul and be satisfied (Isaiah 53:11). Jesus is both judge and advocate (John 5:22,27 ). The court is biased in our favour! c) The work of the Father and Son Together. John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day.40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Father gives men to the Son and He will lose none of them! John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never [2] perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man can pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one. d) The work of the Holy Spirit. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest [3] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. We are sealed now at the point of salvation. This implies a ‘done deal’. God owns us from that moment forever. The King of King’s seal cannot be reversed. 4. The family or kindred relationship. We are born-again into God’s family; Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Even if we deny Our Father, He remains faithful to us. Amen Personal Prayer Footnotes [2] Double negative in Greek for emphasis ‘never ever’. In Part 5 we examine the scriptures used to argue against eternal security.