Whose truth do you hold?

This morning as I read Galatians 1-2, a special story caught my attention. In the 2nd chapter, we are told that Peter had come to visit Paul and the “Gentiles” and during his stay there, he ate and drank with them. However, when the delegation of “Jews” had arrived from James, Peter quickly changed his stance and began to treat the very Gentiles he ate and drank with as though they were not brethren because they were “uncircumcised”.

When Paul saw this, he reprimanded Peter right in front of the delegation and the Gentiles. I like how Paul reminded him that he was living as a “Gentile” right before the delegation arrived. He also reminded them that if the law alone had the power to save, then why did Christ come to die? It is not the traditions or truths of man that brings salvation. It is the grace of God and his gift through Christ that allows us to be able to claim our inheritance.

Like the church of old, many today have elevated the traditions of man over the grace of God. Because of this many in the world have been turned away from the Gospel message. As Paul has demonstrated, we must not allow our cultural traditions, rituals and baseless opinions to cloud our view of the truth. There is only ONE TRUTH and that truth is: Jesus came down from heaven, lived amongst sinners but never sinned, loved and healed those in need, died to set our souls free, rose on the third day to overcome death, he ascended into glory to present himself to the Father, is seated at the right hand of God, is preparing a place for you and me and is coming again to take us home.

This is our truth and we are to guard this truth with all of our hearts and believe it with all our soul. By doing so, we will ensure that we will not be easily swayed by the added on traditions of man. As you go about your day, remember the basic truth that caused you to come to accept Christ. Resolve to hold onto this truth and write it on your heart so that you will believe, live and share the pure Gospel message at all times.

So, in response to “whose truth do you hold?” There is only one and I am holding on to Christ.

Memory Text:

We who are Jews by birth and not ‘Gentile sinners’ know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified. – Galatians 2:15-16

Prayer Prompt:
Lord, thank you for reminding me of your true message. Help me to not be easily swayed by the traditions of man. Grant me the Spirit of discernment so that I may always recognize and stand for the truth no matter who comes around…

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