PAULSGROVE BAPTIST  CHURCH

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'One in Christ' - transformation and unity for followers of Jesus

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Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

A problem in the Galatian church was the unifying of Jewish and Gentile Christians. Many of the Jewish believers thought that gentile converts to Christianity had to also take on the Mosaic Law in their obedience to God – in effect, to become Jews, as well as becoming Christians! Paul wrote this letter to correct this misunderstanding and remind the church of the Gospel of grace – that nothing other than repentance and faith in Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross makes us fit for God.

In chapter 3, Paul summarises our equality in Christ – that our background is no barrier in coming to Jesus, and our status does not define our value to Jesus. We are one, because we are ‘in Christ’, as God’s children:

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29)

In this series, we will discover a variety of people who encountered Jesus in the Gospel stories, as he met them where they were at, and accepted his wonderful welcome of grace.

This series is an opportunity for:

• Those who are not yet believers to identify with characters in the stories, and accept Jesus’ offer of salvation and life in his name

• Our church to grow in unity, seeing each other as equals in God’s eyes – “one in Christ” – and moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose as God’s family, using our different life experiences, stories, and skills for the glory of Christ

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