Devo Galatians 1

Galatians 1:1-8
1. Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God
the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2. and all the brothers with me, 3.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4. who
gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the
will of our God and Father, 5. to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 6. I am
astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace
of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7. which is really no gospel at all.
Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert
the gospel of Christ. 8. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a
gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!

Meditation:
1. If I had to argue for the reality of the gospel by giving one example of how I
have changed by faith, what would I share? How is my personal experience
of Christ an important part of my witness to others?
2. Whom do I know who was once very hostile to Christ, but is now His
follower? What brought about that change?

Personal Notes:
I am going to preach a sermon on "Standing firm on the teachings from the Gospel".  There is only one true Gospel (good news).  The one true Gospel is found in Jesus Christ as testified in the Bible.  There are many false gospel out there.  For example, there is the health and wealth gospel, which suggest that riches and happiness are signs of God's blessing.  No where in the Bible can prove this.  It is not a sin to be rich or happy, but when we seek riches and happiness above God Himself, we worship another idol.

Before I accepted Christ, I tried to conform to the ways of the world, which are: Get high grades, get a good job, get rich, be popular, find girls to make me happy, start a family so I gain respect....  Today, I have received the gift of salvation, I strive to please God in every aspect of my life.  I found joy and peace as I trust Him more and more.

I am going to share one area: Money.  Before I accepted Christ, I thought that I need to make a lot in order to be secure.  When I was a young believer, God was challenging my view on money.  I was taught that we are to depend on God and trust that whatever amount he provides, His grace and provision is more than enough.  I was doing well as a professional day trader.  On some days, I would make the same amount as my monthly salary now.  However, I constantly worry whether I will have enough and never felt satisfied.  God prompted and called me to vocation youth ministry.  Even though it was a struggle to leave that behind,  today as I reflected on the journey and experienced the joy of brothers and sisters growing more secure and mature in God.  Having wonderful mentors and support from the PGC community.  Today, even though I do not make the good money like before, I feel a lot more secure about the future.