Galatians 1:3-5
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

United Faith Church,

In our reading last week, I was struck by the opening lines that Paul wrote to the church in Galatia. Many theologians believe this letter to be the first letter that Paul wrote.

He opens by saying, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. To me it sounds as Paul was speaking on behalf of Jesus Christ. Paul knew who he was and he knew who had sent him. There was no hesitation to open up in a blessing, speaking on behalf of God.

Than Paul continues speaking about Jesus Christ by saying, “who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age”. Not only was Paul confident in his calling but he was confident in the message that he was bringing to the nations.

We also need to have the confidence of Paul. Do our lives testify to the power of Jesus Christ that came to rescue us from the present evil age? Do we know that Jesus’ sacrifice was so powerful that it set us apart from this world, that even though we walk in it, we walk as a holy and redeemed people?

Paul had such confidence because the power of the cross had transformed his life. If it worked for him, “the worst of sinners”, than he knew it had the power to rescue others. We too should have the same confidence. Confidence in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, that came down and rescued and transformed our lives. If the power of God was enough to rescue me, then I have confidence this day that it can rescue the nations of lost and broken.

Amen,

Kris