In our day and time, we see people, almost every day, taking a stand for a cause that is dear to their hearts. Some spend time, effort, and money to ensure that animals be taken care of properly. Others seek money for research for cancer or other incurable diseases. Many march in the streets for a certain color of skin, or sexual preference. While some of these are good and right reasons to protest or support, none of them will determine the eternity of a man’s soul.
However, as Christians, we need to evaluate where we intend to place our efforts and our resources. We need to step back and zoom out to look at the big picture of life. Many things we spin our wheels doing will have absolutely no value when it comes to eternity.
We need to measure our activity by the word of God. Are we doing things in the name of religion that is not correct, or a waste of time and resources? How many things do we do in the name of our church that does not promote winning others to Christ, or making disciples of other Christians? If you identify such things are you willing to take a stand, even if it means you will face controversy? What about those who teach that salvation is based on what we can do, not on what God did. Are you willing to stand alone?
Paul was one of the greatest apostles of all times. A very qualified Jewish leader, sticking to the Jewish law, to the point of eliminating any other religion that opposed the Jewish religion. Before his conversion, he had persecuted Christians to the point of death, but once Christ came to him and revealed the truth he became just as zealous for the truth of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
In Galatians, Paul is writing to a group of churches in Southern Galatia. He is defending the gospel from the attacks of false teachers. In Galatians 1:6 he scolds them, he can’t believe that they have so quickly strayed from what he has taught them. He warns them not to listen to anyone else, not even an angel if they are adding to or taking away from the simple gospel of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:6-8 “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
He couldn’t believe they were not standing for the truth he had taught them. They were buying into the “adding to and taking away” of the gospel. Paul was not telling the churches of Southern Galatia anything he was not willing to do himself. In Galatians 2:11 – 21, he tells of his confrontation with Peter. It seemed that Peter was making a distinction between the converted Jews and the Gentile Christians. If no Jews were around he was happy to eat with the Gentiles, but if the Jews were present, he would separate himself and eat with the Jews.
Peter was compromising the gospel. His inconsistency between the Jews and the Gentiles infuriated Paul to the point that he called Peter out face to face.
Now, before we get too critical of Peter, let’s take a long look in the mirror. There is so much discrimination, prejudice, and persecution in our society that it is an embarrassment. How many churches are spoken of as a “black” church or a “white” church? It is not right! All Christians are saved the same way, we all are saved by putting our faith in Jesus Christ and following him as our Lord and Savior. It doesn’t matter what country you are from, or where you are on this earth, we are all equal and all have the same access to Christ. Those who are Christians will spend eternity together. I can’t wait to see what heaven will be like. As people from every nation, every language, and every color of skin will be present, and we will forever worship the Lamb together.
Will you stand up for the truth of the gospel? Will you live out your faith in a practical way, loving and accepting anyone who is a true believer? If you are not willing to embrace every Christian as your brother or sister, then you may need to check your own salvation!
Revelation 5:9 “And they sang a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;”
