DNA Of A Dangerous Church - Day 01
Day 01 - Monday, August, 12
Read Galatians 1
Highlight
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians at an important time in the life and growth of the early church. The Gospel has now taken root not only among Jews who believe that Jesus is the Messiah, but has spread to Gentiles who also believe Jesus is the Messiah. Unsurprisingly, these new members of the family of God who come from completely different racial, cultural and linguistic backgrounds bring some culture clashing practices into the church. This makes their Jewish brothers and sisters uncomfortable and they begin to question what the essential practices of a fully devoted follower of Jesus should be. Some began teaching that Gentile Christians needed to follow Jewish laws to be truly saved.
In Galatians 1, Paul is adamant about holding fast to the purity of the gospel. He says, "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" (Gal. 1:6). Paul’s concern is not just theological but deeply communal. The church is not a place but a people, a community called by God. A distorted gospel leads to a distorted community. When we stay rooted in the true gospel and undivided by our personal biases and preferences, we are united by grace and are able to stay focused on our mission and purpose.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Galatians 1
Highlight
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians at an important time in the life and growth of the early church. The Gospel has now taken root not only among Jews who believe that Jesus is the Messiah, but has spread to Gentiles who also believe Jesus is the Messiah. Unsurprisingly, these new members of the family of God who come from completely different racial, cultural and linguistic backgrounds bring some culture clashing practices into the church. This makes their Jewish brothers and sisters uncomfortable and they begin to question what the essential practices of a fully devoted follower of Jesus should be. Some began teaching that Gentile Christians needed to follow Jewish laws to be truly saved.
In Galatians 1, Paul is adamant about holding fast to the purity of the gospel. He says, "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" (Gal. 1:6). Paul’s concern is not just theological but deeply communal. The church is not a place but a people, a community called by God. A distorted gospel leads to a distorted community. When we stay rooted in the true gospel and undivided by our personal biases and preferences, we are united by grace and are able to stay focused on our mission and purpose.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
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