Growing in Spirituality

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 4:21-5:1

Paul addresses Law versus grace with regard to our spiritual growth. While under the Law, we try to bring about God's promises using self effort, whereas under grace we obey God's will and watch as He fulfills His promises. It is surprisingly easy to be a walking believer and still fall prey to a law mentality, where we think we must work to God. What are signs of a law follower, and how do we get back under grace?

Law vs. Grace: The Questions

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 2:17-4:4

Paul continues to expand upon his message to the Galatians, that we are saved by faith, not works. For if we could be saved by works, then Jesus' death on the cross was pointless. Paul then addresses three questions he believes the Galatians will raise: 1) has Grace always been God's plan, 2) if so, then why did God give us the Law, and 3) if we're not under Law, why should we seek God's plan?

The Battle for Grace

Dennis McCallum

Acts 15:1-29

In this letter, Paul fights accusations from law teachers that have invaded the Galatian church. These false teachers claim that Paul has no authority and only teaches a partial gospel. Paul replies with the story of where he got his gospel, using his own life to show that salvation must be through faith alone. He then describes a moment where law teachers almost swayed the entire early church, a warning to the Galatians that they must turn from trying to adhere to the law and come under grace.

Relating to God

Dennis McCallum

Hosea 14:1-5

Hosea was a prophet who God called to marry an unfaithful prostitute. God reveals that this will "illustrate the way my people have been untrue to me, openly committing adultery against the Lord by worshiping other gods." Hosea's book contrasts idol worship (which applies to letting anything have priority over God) to the relationship God wants with people. This relationship includes intimacy, grace, discipline, freedom, faithfulness, and repentance, which is contrary to the perils that people experience without God.

When God Judges

Dennis McCallum

Amos 1:2-8

Amos was a prophet who spoke about God's judgment to the Assyrians. The sins of these people and this judgment is a reminder of how there must be justice from God in order Him to be good. The argument for justice needing to be served is then turned back onto the audience, who has to learn that they are just as sinful. This would hopefully lead to a lack of self-righteousness, an appreciation of grace, an eagerness to share grace, a sensitizing towards sin, and a freedom from vengeance.

Introspection and Spiritual Living

Dennis McCallum

Hebrews 12:2

Paul argues that God will search our hearts and bring things to the light as He sees fit. Christians can find themselves in a state of morbid introspection where they think too much about themselves and focus too much on solving their own problems. There is a biblical level of introspection, but often we go above and beyond that in our conceited self focus.

The Simplicity in Christ

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 5:6

Paul explained that the message of Christianity is quite simple. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and all we have to do is accept God's free gift of forgiveness through Jesus in order to start a relationship with God and go to heaven. There is no reason to add any unnecessary barriers to this message.

The God of Fatherly Love

Jim Leffel

Exodus 4:22

God reveals His fatherly love to the nation of Israel. This fatherly love is seen through God's son, Jesus Christ. Jesus was the future hope for Israel. Today, we can have redemption through Jesus and be adopted by God as His children.

When God's Commands Seem Burdensome

Gary DeLashmutt

1 John 5:1-5

Our relationship with God can be hindered when we try and earn His acceptance through our performance or obedience to His commands. Often, we try and follow His commands by our resources, leaving us alienated and forgetful of His love for us. We should cultivate focus towards His promises and ask for Jesus' help to guide us and empower us. As a result, we can have renewed awareness of God's love and an ability to rest in His grace and lean on our brothers and sisters for help in our weakness.