The Latest Thing
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 1:11-12 and Ephesians 2:1-10
Series: Comments on Galatians
Some Christians treat their faith like the latest fad. They cannot seem to stay with a particular church. When the pastor who tickled their ears leaves, they leave too. When a new church pops up that is shinier or offers more programs, the old church goes out for the latest thing. The gospel is not their focus; things have become the focus, following the proclamation of another gospel that makes them feel something instead of believe. God is not the focus; they have become the icon of their own religion. Therefore, the Word of Grace itself is also often forfeited for the latest turn of events.
God has opened the door of grace to us and we have but to keep walking through, which one does by keeping faith. Yet we want to add works to the mix. “The synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 3:9) insists on doing things to prove one is good enough for God. They trade God’s love for religious baubles — laws, rituals, and other works — so they may say, Now God has a reason to love me.
God loved you before you ever tried to give him a reason. There is no reason for his love except his mercy. He does not wait for your latest religious fancy. He loved you when you had no care for him, when you were condemned because of your trespasses against him. His mercy reached out in grace and swept away your sin. That is the old, old story yet still the latest thing.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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