I hope you are having a blessed week. Lately I've been thinking about the difference in tone between Paul's letters to the Corinthians and to the Galatians. Corinthians was written to address hedonism making it's way into the church. This letter to the church in Corith is full of commendation and praise and Paul addresses them as the "sanctified in Christ Jesus". The letter to the Galatians, however, was written to address legalism making it's way into the church and is full of rebuke and harsh correction. Paul addresses them as the "foolish Galatians" that have turned away from the truth. There seems to be nothing that upset the Apostle Paul more than legalism.

Legalism could be thought of as any attempt at Christian life or ministry by means of something other than the fullness of the presence of Jesus Christ Himself living His life through us in the love and person of the Holy Spirit. This is the whole gospel. That's why Paul was terribly upset when he found the Church at Galatia making thier own rules and living in thier own resource and strength. Legalism isolates while the Gospel embraces. Legalism instructs while the Gospel enlightens. Legalism imposes while the Gosple engages. Legalism inhibits while the Gospel empowers.

May you be embraced, enlightened, engaged and empowered by the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

"Until Christ is formed" in us all,

Johnny