FREE TO BE . . .
SAVED BY GRACE
The endless struggle between trying to earn salvation and accepting it.

Read Galatians 3:1-26
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203:1-26&version=MSG

Do you remember the book, “Life’s Little Instruction Book?" Here are some sample entries from the self-titled web-site:
1. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day.
2. Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
3. Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures.
4. Overtip breakfast waitresses.
5. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all they have.
6. Never resist a generous impulse.
7. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
8. Never go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink.
9. Leave everything a little better than you found it.
10. Call your mother.
How about a bucket list? Maybe you have one. Turning a milestone this year and I find my self at times reviewing my progress, and accomplishments. This type of lifestyle can be obsessive-compulsive. Or lesson writer says:
“We tend to view our walk with Christ as a series of religious tasks to perform, such as praying, reading the Bible, tithing, and serving in ministry. When we can check things off our spiritual to-do list, we feel like we’re being good Christians. This task-oriented approach to Christianity is legalism, and it’s not good.” This week we will take a look at Paul’s take on legalism.

1. Our Legalistic Tendencies (Galatians 3:1-3)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203:1-3&version=MSG


2. Works Don’t Set Us Free (Galatians 3:10-14)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203:10-14&version=MSG


3. Resting in Faith (Galatians 3:19-26)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203:19-26&version=MSG


We still have a lot of legalisms, in our congregation, let alone the Southern Baptists Convention. Our lesson writer says: “No wonder we have such a hard time accepting that our relationship with God isn’t performance-based. When we understand that, through God’s grace, our salvation is based on faith in Him alone and we can’t do anything to earn or lose it, we’re set free from the checklists and works that enslave us.”
Remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. Hope to see you Sunday. John
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers