Sermon for June 9th, 2013

Galatians 1:11-24

11 For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; 12for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

13 You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. 14I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. 15But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased 16to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus.

18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him for fifteen days; 19but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord’s brother. 20In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! 21Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, 22and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; 23they only heard it said, ‘The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy.’ 24And they glorified God because of me.

I, Paul, an Apostle (Part 2)

Paul is Under Attack. -Attack on Paul's message (Christianity Lite...you have to do xyz to really be a Christian "I do not lie!) -Attack on Paul's converts (antinomialist, too lax, "immoral") -Attack on Paul's credentials (secondhand apostleship)

Things to Remember when You are Under Attack -SET APART from my mother's womb and CALLED to... -Remember Your Wilderness Experience -Paul's testimony, his story the stories of Cissy and her family -They Glorified God Because of Me

Things the Bible Does NOT say (but often the church does):

10. I have come to bring you a new religion.

9. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have correct theology.

8. If anyone would come after me, let him say bad things about all other religions and their followers.

7. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in Heaven after the earth goes up in flames and destroyed.

6. You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor,’ which means the people who look like you, agree with you, and are pleasant to be around.

5. In my Father’s house there are a limited number of rooms. But no worries, there is plenty of room in Hell.

4. The kingdom of God has come!… Well, not exactly. I mean, not completely. Let’s face it, the really-real kingdom comes after we die. Hang in there. It won’t be long.

3. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you a checklist of things to do and not do in order to remain in God’s favor.

2. For God so loved the world… you know like theoretically… as in, God loves the big ‘W’-world. But when it comes to you specifically, there are quite a few things that would need to change for God to actually and specifically love… or even like… YOU.

1. He appeared to his disciples over a period of 40 days and spoke about how to incorporate his life and teaching as a 501(c)3, buy some land, build a building, and sit in a pew once a week for the rest of your life.