The Gospel Is Worth Defending, Part 1

Galatians 2:1-21
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Join us as we delve into Galatians chapter 2, exploring the early church challenges in maintaining the purity of the gospel. We’ll uncover how Christian unity requires embracing the gospel of grace rather than imposing cultural distinctives. Pastor Colin emphasises that the gospel is truly for the world—rooted in grace and offering life. Listen as we journey with Paul, standing firm against pressures to reshape the gospel to ensure it reaches across cultural bounds to every corner of the world.

100:00:01,000 –> 00:00:09,000They felt that Christian unity depended on everybody else who came to Christ adopting their treasured distinctives200:00:10,000 –> 00:00:13,500Anyone’s welcome they would say but they have to become like us300:00:14,000 –> 00:00:19,000and these distinctives became a condition of fellowship400:00:20,000 –> 00:00:24,000Welcome to open the bible with Pastor Colin Smith , I’m David Pick500:00:24,000 –> 00:00:29,000I’m glad you could be with us today, and Colin what is the they that we’re talking about here600:00:29,000 –> 00:00:35,000Ok, we’re in the book of Galatians and Paul is speaking to a group of Chrician believers700:00:36,000 –> 00:00:43,000who felt that all other Christians should have to adopt what had made them distinctively Jewish Christians800:00:44,000 –> 00:00:48,000And therefore that element became essential to the gospel900:00:49,000 –> 00:00:53,000and Paul’s answer to that, and there was actually a disagreement between Peter and Paul over this1000:00:54,000 –> 00:00:55,000that was very wonderfully resolved1100:00:55,000 –> 00:01:00,000Paul’s answer is, that the gospel is the gospel of God’s grace1200:01:01,000 –> 00:01:02,000it is what Jesus Christ does for us1300:01:02,000 –> 00:01:07,000and if we try and add in anything that we do in response and make that part of the gospel1400:01:08,000 –> 00:01:11,000we actually lose the ground of grace that is essential1500:01:12,000 –> 00:01:14,000to the message that is trusted to us in the New Testament1600:01:15,000 –> 00:01:19,000So important for us to understand, what the gospel of grace really is1700:01:20,000 –> 00:01:23,000and that’s what this series and message is all about1800:01:23,000 –> 00:01:27,000So join us if you can in Galatians 21900:01:27,000 –> 00:01:30,000As we begin the message, the gospel is worth defending2000:01:30,000 –> 00:01:31,000Here’s Colin2100:01:31,000 –> 00:01:34,000This morning in Galatians we come to a critical moment2200:01:35,000 –> 00:01:36,000in the life of the early church2300:01:37,000 –> 00:01:41,000where this gospel had to be defended2400:01:41,000 –> 00:01:43,000and Galatians 2 tells of the story2500:01:44,000 –> 00:01:47,000of a clash between two giants of the early church2600:01:48,000 –> 00:01:50,000Peter and Paul2700:01:51,000 –> 00:01:52,000If you look at verse 112800:02:02,000 –> 00:02:06,000Now this clash between Paul and Peter2900:02:07,000 –> 00:02:10,000has been taken by some modern commentators to suggest3000:02:11,000 –> 00:02:15,000that Paul and Peter somehow preached a different message3100:02:16,000 –> 00:02:17,000that Peter was more about works3200:02:17,000 –> 00:02:20,000and Paul was more about grace3300:02:20,000 –> 00:02:22,000That these two versions of the gospel it is said3400:02:22,000 –> 00:02:23,000go back to the beginning3500:02:23,000 –> 00:02:24,000with these two apostles3600:02:25,000 –> 00:02:28,000and that both have their separate lines of descent3700:02:28,000 –> 00:02:30,000Within the church even to this day3800:02:30,000 –> 00:02:32,000and that if we are Evangelicals3900:02:32,000 –> 00:02:34,000it just happens to be that we4000:02:34,000 –> 00:02:37,000prefer Paul over Peter4100:02:39,000 –> 00:02:40,000Now that is what is being said4200:02:40,000 –> 00:02:42,000in a large part of academia in these days4300:02:42,000 –> 00:02:44,000and I hope that you will be able to see4400:02:44,000 –> 00:02:46,000simply from what we learned last week4500:02:47,000 –> 00:02:50,000That this cannot possibly be the case4600:02:51,000 –> 00:02:52,000Remember we learned last week4700:02:52,000 –> 00:02:56,000that the gospel does not come by human invention4800:02:57,000 –> 00:03:00,000nor does it come by the development of tradition4900:03:00,000 –> 00:03:02,000but rather Paul says it comes5000:03:02,000 –> 00:03:05,000by revelation from Jesus Christ5100:03:05,000 –> 00:03:08,000and that is why there can only be one gospel5200:03:09,000 –> 00:03:11,000You see you can have many inventions5300:03:12,000 –> 00:03:14,000You can have many traditions5400:03:14,000 –> 00:03:16,000But you can only have one gospel5500:03:16,000 –> 00:03:18,000that comes by revelation from Jesus Christ5600:03:18,000 –> 00:03:21,000because Jesus Christ is not in confusion5700:03:21,000 –> 00:03:24,000he does not contradict himself5800:03:24,000 –> 00:03:26,000and that is why the central emphasis5900:03:26,000 –> 00:03:28,000on there being one gospel6000:03:28,000 –> 00:03:30,000is so important throughout the letter6100:03:30,000 –> 00:03:31,000If you have it open in front of you6200:03:31,000 –> 00:03:32,000as I hope you do6300:03:32,000 –> 00:03:35,000see there in verse six of chapter one6400:03:35,000 –> 00:03:37,000looking back over last week6500:03:37,000 –> 00:03:39,000I am astonished Paul says6600:03:39,000 –> 00:03:40,000that you are so quickly deserting6700:03:40,000 –> 00:03:42,000the one who called you by the grace of Christ6800:03:42,000 –> 00:03:45,000and you are turning to a different gospel6900:03:45,000 –> 00:03:47,000which is no gospel at all7000:03:47,000 –> 00:03:49,000See if you turn away from this gospel7100:03:49,000 –> 00:03:52,000Paul says you don’t have any good news7200:03:52,000 –> 00:03:54,000because there isn’t any other good news7300:03:54,000 –> 00:03:56,000Verse eight of chapter one7400:03:56,000 –> 00:03:58,000Even if we are an angel from heaven7500:03:58,000 –> 00:04:00,000should preach a gospel7600:04:00,000 –> 00:04:01,000other than the one we preached to you7700:04:01,000 –> 00:04:04,000let him be eternally condemned7800:04:04,000 –> 00:04:07,000chapter one of verses 11 and 127900:04:07,000 –> 00:04:08,000The gospel I preached8000:04:08,000 –> 00:04:10,000is not something that man made up8100:04:10,000 –> 00:04:11,000I did not receive it8200:04:11,000 –> 00:04:12,000from any man8300:04:12,000 –> 00:04:13,000Nor was I taught it8400:04:13,000 –> 00:04:14,000I received it by revelation8500:04:14,000 –> 00:04:16,000from Jesus Christ8600:04:16,000 –> 00:04:18,000So there is one gospel8700:04:18,000 –> 00:04:21,000and it comes from8800:04:21,000 –> 00:04:24,000Jesus Christ8900:04:24,000 –> 00:04:27,000Now in Galatians9000:04:27,000 –> 00:04:29,000in chapter 29100:04:29,000 –> 00:04:31,000as we move on to this new chapter9200:04:31,000 –> 00:04:33,000Paul makes it very very clear9300:04:33,000 –> 00:04:35,000that he preached the same message9400:04:35,000 –> 00:04:36,000as Peter9500:04:36,000 –> 00:04:37,000indeed he has a number of things9600:04:37,000 –> 00:04:38,000to say9700:04:38,000 –> 00:04:40,000about his relationship with Peter9800:04:40,000 –> 00:04:43,000beginning in chapter 1 in verse 189900:04:43,000 –> 00:04:44,000He tells us there10000:04:44,000 –> 00:04:47,000that the first time that he met with Peter10100:04:47,000 –> 00:04:48,000was three years after his conversion10200:04:48,000 –> 00:04:50,000Chapter 1 verse 1810300:04:50,000 –> 00:04:51,000I went up to Jerusalem10400:04:51,000 –> 00:04:53,000to get acquainted with Peter10500:04:53,000 –> 00:04:56,000and I stayed with him for fifteen days10600:04:56,000 –> 00:04:58,000Then we’re told in chapter 2 and verse 110700:04:58,000 –> 00:05:01,000That fourteen years later10800:05:01,000 –> 00:05:02,000Paul went up to Jerusalem10900:05:02,000 –> 00:05:03,000a second time11000:05:03,000 –> 00:05:06,000and this time he did it with Barnabas11100:05:06,000 –> 00:05:09,000and Titus travelled with them11200:05:09,000 –> 00:05:10,000And in verse 2 of chapter 211300:05:10,000 –> 00:05:11,000I said before them11400:05:11,000 –> 00:05:14,000that is the Jerusalem apostles11500:05:14,000 –> 00:05:16,000and others who had come into leadership11600:05:16,000 –> 00:05:18,000in this Jerusalem church11700:05:18,000 –> 00:05:20,000I said before them11800:05:20,000 –> 00:05:21,000the gospel that I preach11900:05:21,000 –> 00:05:24,000among the Gentiles12000:05:24,000 –> 00:05:26,000Now the result of this12100:05:26,000 –> 00:05:27,000presentation of the gospel12200:05:27,000 –> 00:05:28,000Paul’s explaining12300:05:28,000 –> 00:05:30,000what he teaches to the Gentiles12400:05:30,000 –> 00:05:34,000In verse 7 we’re told12500:05:34,000 –> 00:05:36,000these men added nothing to my message12600:05:36,000 –> 00:05:37,000On the contrary12700:05:37,000 –> 00:05:38,000I saw that I had been entrusted12800:05:38,000 –> 00:05:40,000with the task of preaching12900:05:40,000 –> 00:05:42,000the gospel to the Gentiles13000:05:42,000 –> 00:05:44,000just as Peter had been13100:05:44,000 –> 00:05:45,000to the Jews13200:05:45,000 –> 00:05:47,000In verse 913300:05:47,000 –> 00:05:48,000James and John13400:05:48,000 –> 00:05:49,000those reputed to be pillars13500:05:49,000 –> 00:05:50,000gave me the right hand13600:05:50,000 –> 00:05:51,000of fellowship13700:05:51,000 –> 00:05:52,000when they recognised13800:05:52,000 –> 00:05:55,000the grace given to me13900:05:55,000 –> 00:05:56,000So in summary14000:05:56,000 –> 00:05:58,000what happens here is14100:05:58,000 –> 00:05:59,000that Paul goes to Jerusalem14200:05:59,000 –> 00:06:00,000He lays out before14300:06:00,000 –> 00:06:02,000the Jerusalem apostles14400:06:02,000 –> 00:06:04,000and the other church leaders14500:06:04,000 –> 00:06:05,000in that great city14600:06:05,000 –> 00:06:06,000the message that he preaches14700:06:06,000 –> 00:06:09,000This is what I teach14800:06:09,000 –> 00:06:10,000Peter, James, and John14900:06:10,000 –> 00:06:12,000recognised that what Paul teaches15000:06:12,000 –> 00:06:14,000is precisely the same message15100:06:14,000 –> 00:06:15,000as they are preaching15200:06:15,000 –> 00:06:16,000and so they give to Paul15300:06:16,000 –> 00:06:18,000the right hand of fellowship15400:06:18,000 –> 00:06:20,000It is clear that they preached15500:06:20,000 –> 00:06:22,000the same gospel15600:06:23,000 –> 00:06:25,000Now Galatians in chapter 215700:06:25,000 –> 00:06:26,000tells us now then15800:06:26,000 –> 00:06:27,000about a time when15900:06:27,000 –> 00:06:29,000this gospel16000:06:29,000 –> 00:06:31,000proclaimed by all of the apostles16100:06:31,000 –> 00:06:33,000had to be defended16200:06:33,000 –> 00:06:35,000and the reason it had16300:06:35,000 –> 00:06:37,000to be defended in this clash16400:06:37,000 –> 00:06:38,000between Paul and Peter16500:06:38,000 –> 00:06:40,000was not that Peter didn’t16600:06:40,000 –> 00:06:41,000believe it16700:06:41,000 –> 00:06:43,000but rather that Peter16800:06:43,000 –> 00:06:46,000acted inconsistently16900:06:46,000 –> 00:06:47,000with it17000:06:47,000 –> 00:06:49,000He was not acting17100:06:49,000 –> 00:06:51,000in line with the truth17200:06:51,000 –> 00:06:52,000of the gospel17300:06:52,000 –> 00:06:54,000is what Paul says17400:06:54,000 –> 00:06:56,000and the story17500:06:56,000 –> 00:06:57,000that we’re going to look at today17600:06:57,000 –> 00:06:58,000reminds us that17700:06:58,000 –> 00:06:59,000the gospel needs to17800:06:59,000 –> 00:07:00,000be defended17900:07:00,000 –> 00:07:02,000not only in the world18000:07:02,000 –> 00:07:04,000where it’s obviously under attack18100:07:04,000 –> 00:07:06,000but also in the church18200:07:06,000 –> 00:07:08,000where it is constantly18300:07:08,000 –> 00:07:09,000under pressure18400:07:09,000 –> 00:07:11,000to be reshaped18500:07:11,000 –> 00:07:12,000you’re listening to Open The Bible18600:07:12,000 –> 00:07:13,000with Pastor Colin Smith18700:07:13,000 –> 00:07:14,000and a message called18800:07:14,000 –> 00:07:16,000The Gospel Is Worth Defending18900:07:16,000 –> 00:07:18,000if you tuned in late19000:07:18,000 –> 00:07:19,000or if you want to19100:07:19,000 –> 00:07:21,000go back and listen again19200:07:21,000 –> 00:07:21,00019300:07:21,000 –> 00:07:22,000coming on line19400:07:22,000 –> 00:07:23,000to our website19500:07:23,000 –> 00:07:26,000openthebible.org.uk19600:07:26,000 –> 00:07:27,000there you’ll find all19700:07:27,000 –> 00:07:28,000the broadcasts19800:07:28,000 –> 00:07:29,000that have already gone out19900:07:29,000 –> 00:07:31,000Open The Bible20000:07:31,000 –> 00:07:32,000is supported financially20100:07:32,000 –> 00:07:33,000by our listeners20200:07:33,000 –> 00:07:34,000we do depend20300:07:34,000 –> 00:07:35,000on people like you20400:07:35,000 –> 00:07:36,000to keep Pastor Colin Smith’s20500:07:36,000 –> 00:07:38,000messages on the radio20600:07:38,000 –> 00:07:39,000and online20700:07:39,000 –> 00:07:41,000so if you already support us20800:07:41,000 –> 00:07:42,000in that way20900:07:42,000 –> 00:07:44,000thank you so much21000:07:44,000 –> 00:07:45,000if that’s something21100:07:45,000 –> 00:07:46,000you’re considering21200:07:46,000 –> 00:07:47,000beginning to do21300:07:47,000 –> 00:07:48,000this month21400:07:48,000 –> 00:07:49,000if you’re able to set up21500:07:49,000 –> 00:07:50,000a new Direct Debit21600:07:50,000 –> 00:07:52,000of five pounds per month21700:07:52,000 –> 00:07:53,000or more21800:07:53,000 –> 00:07:54,000or a one off gift21900:07:54,000 –> 00:07:55,000of fifty pounds22000:07:55,000 –> 00:07:56,000we’d love to say thank you22100:07:56,000 –> 00:07:58,000by sending you22200:07:58,000 –> 00:07:59,000a copy of22300:07:59,000 –> 00:08:00,000Pilgrim’s Progress22400:08:00,000 –> 00:08:02,000John Bunyan’s22500:08:02,000 –> 00:08:03,000classic allegory22600:08:03,000 –> 00:08:04,000of the Christian life22700:08:04,000 –> 00:08:06,000which so many have enjoyed22800:08:06,000 –> 00:08:08,000and benefited by reading22900:08:08,000 –> 00:08:10,000along with a specially printed23000:08:10,000 –> 00:08:11,000open the Bible bookmark23100:08:11,000 –> 00:08:14,000and an open the Bible pen23200:08:14,000 –> 00:08:15,000Colin, many people23300:08:15,000 –> 00:08:17,000may have heard of this book23400:08:17,000 –> 00:08:18,000but not really know23500:08:18,000 –> 00:08:20,000what it’s all about23600:08:20,000 –> 00:08:21,000well, Pilgrim’s Progress23700:08:21,000 –> 00:08:23,000is a classic of Christian literature23800:08:23,000 –> 00:08:24,000that was written23900:08:24,000 –> 00:08:25,000by John Bunyan24000:08:25,000 –> 00:08:27,000in the 17th century24100:08:28,000 –> 00:08:29,000Bunyan’s one of my24200:08:29,000 –> 00:08:30,000Heroes of the Faith24300:08:30,000 –> 00:08:31,000he was a preacher of24400:08:31,000 –> 00:08:32,000the gospel24500:08:32,000 –> 00:08:33,000and he was arrested24600:08:33,000 –> 00:08:35,000for preaching the gospel24700:08:35,000 –> 00:08:36,000during a time when24800:08:36,000 –> 00:08:37,000there were real24900:08:37,000 –> 00:08:38,000restrictions on25000:08:38,000 –> 00:08:40,000believers in England25100:08:40,000 –> 00:08:41,000and during his time25200:08:41,000 –> 00:08:42,000in prison25300:08:42,000 –> 00:08:43,000he wrote this25400:08:43,000 –> 00:08:44,000Christian classic25500:08:44,000 –> 00:08:45,000that is a story25600:08:45,000 –> 00:08:46,000about a man25700:08:46,000 –> 00:08:47,000who takes a journey25800:08:47,000 –> 00:08:48,000from a city called25900:08:48,000 –> 00:08:49,000destruction26000:08:49,000 –> 00:08:50,000to the celestial city26100:08:51,000 –> 00:08:52,000which is his way26200:08:52,000 –> 00:08:53,000of speaking about heaven26300:08:53,000 –> 00:08:54,000and it is full26400:08:54,000 –> 00:08:55,000of profound26500:08:55,000 –> 00:08:56,000insight26600:08:56,000 –> 00:08:58,000into the Christian life26700:08:58,000 –> 00:08:59,000It’s so easy26800:08:59,000 –> 00:09:00,000to read26900:09:00,000 –> 00:09:01,000and it is so rich27000:09:02,000 –> 00:09:03,000in what we can27100:09:03,000 –> 00:09:04,000learn from it27200:09:04,000 –> 00:09:05,000Well we’d love to send27300:09:05,000 –> 00:09:06,000you a copy of27400:09:06,000 –> 00:09:07,000PILGRIMS PROGRESS27500:09:07,000 –> 00:09:08,000as our way of saying27600:09:08,000 –> 00:09:09,000thank you for supporting27700:09:09,000 –> 00:09:09,00027800:09:09,000 –> 00:09:10,000financially27900:09:11,000 –> 00:09:12,000Full terms and28000:09:12,000 –> 00:09:13,000conditions28100:09:13,000 –> 00:09:14,000on our website28200:09:15,000 –> 00:09:17,000at openthebible.org.uk28300:09:17,000 –> 00:09:18,000Back to the message28400:09:18,000 –> 00:09:19,000now, we’re in28500:09:19,000 –> 00:09:20,000Galatians28600:09:20,000 –> 00:09:21,000and Chapter 228700:09:21,000 –> 00:09:22,000here’s Colin28800:09:22,000 –> 00:09:23,000Now our outline today28900:09:23,000 –> 00:09:24,000and we’ll actually29000:09:24,000 –> 00:09:25,000continue it into next week29100:09:25,000 –> 00:09:26,000also God willing29200:09:26,000 –> 00:09:27,000is really very simple29300:09:27,000 –> 00:09:28,000and I hope29400:09:28,000 –> 00:09:29,000may be useful29500:09:29,000 –> 00:09:30,000to help us all29600:09:30,000 –> 00:09:31,000grasp the gospel29700:09:31,000 –> 00:09:32,000which is what this29800:09:32,000 –> 00:09:33,000whole series29900:09:33,000 –> 00:09:34,000is all about30000:09:35,000 –> 00:09:37,000What’s the gospel?30100:09:37,000 –> 00:09:38,000Let me give you30200:09:38,000 –> 00:09:39,000in three headings30300:09:40,000 –> 00:09:41,000It’s grace30400:09:41,000 –> 00:09:43,000it’s life30500:09:43,000 –> 00:09:45,000and it’s for the world30600:09:46,000 –> 00:09:47,000It’s grace30700:09:47,000 –> 00:09:49,000it’s life30800:09:49,000 –> 00:09:50,000and it’s for the world30900:09:50,000 –> 00:09:51,000And if we can get a31000:09:51,000 –> 00:09:52,000hold of these three things31100:09:52,000 –> 00:09:53,000and hold them31200:09:53,000 –> 00:09:54,000in our minds31300:09:54,000 –> 00:09:55,000and in our hearts31400:09:55,000 –> 00:09:56,000and understand them well31500:09:56,000 –> 00:09:57,000we will have a good31600:09:57,000 –> 00:09:58,000grasp of the gospel31700:09:58,000 –> 00:09:59,000of Jesus Christ31800:09:59,000 –> 00:10:00,000Let’s say them together31900:10:00,000 –> 00:10:01,000It’s grace32000:10:01,000 –> 00:10:02,000it’s life32100:10:02,000 –> 00:10:03,000and it’s for the world32200:10:03,000 –> 00:10:04,000Ok?32300:10:04,000 –> 00:10:04,520One more time32400:10:04,520 –> 00:10:05,520It’s grace32500:10:05,520 –> 00:10:06,520it’s life32600:10:06,520 –> 00:10:08,520and it’s for the world32700:10:08,520 –> 00:10:10,000Now I will take these32800:10:10,000 –> 00:10:11,000in the order32900:10:11,000 –> 00:10:12,000that they come33000:10:12,000 –> 00:10:13,000in this passage33100:10:13,000 –> 00:10:14,000And we’re going to begin33200:10:14,000 –> 00:10:15,000with it’s for the world33300:10:15,000 –> 00:10:16,000which is really the33400:10:16,000 –> 00:10:17,000theme of verses33500:10:17,000 –> 00:10:18,000one to fourteen33600:10:19,000 –> 00:10:20,000Let’s look at chapter33700:10:20,000 –> 00:10:21,000two in verse seven33800:10:22,000 –> 00:10:24,000I had been entrusted33900:10:24,000 –> 00:10:25,000with the task34000:10:25,000 –> 00:10:26,000of preaching the gospel34100:10:26,000 –> 00:10:28,000to the Gentiles34200:10:28,000 –> 00:10:30,000Just as Peter had been34300:10:30,000 –> 00:10:32,000to the Jews34400:10:34,000 –> 00:10:36,000Now, if you read34500:10:36,000 –> 00:10:37,000the New Testament carefully34600:10:37,000 –> 00:10:38,000you’ll discover34700:10:38,000 –> 00:10:40,000that there was a real struggle34800:10:40,000 –> 00:10:41,000going on34900:10:41,000 –> 00:10:42,000throughout the early35000:10:42,000 –> 00:10:43,000New Testament period35100:10:43,000 –> 00:10:44,000about the mission35200:10:44,000 –> 00:10:46,000of the Church35300:10:47,000 –> 00:10:49,000The apostles in Jerusalem35400:10:49,000 –> 00:10:51,000maintained a narrow focus35500:10:52,000 –> 00:10:53,000on evangelism35600:10:53,000 –> 00:10:55,000among the Jewish people35700:10:56,000 –> 00:10:58,000And Paul had been commissioned35800:10:58,000 –> 00:11:00,000by the risen Lord Jesus Christ35900:11:00,000 –> 00:11:03,000to go to the Gentiles36000:11:04,000 –> 00:11:06,000Now, this word Gentiles36100:11:06,000 –> 00:11:07,000simply means anyone36200:11:07,000 –> 00:11:08,000who is not a Jew36300:11:09,000 –> 00:11:10,000That’s a whole lot of people36400:11:10,000 –> 00:11:12,000in the world, right?36500:11:12,000 –> 00:11:14,000Evangelizing the Jews36600:11:14,000 –> 00:11:16,000was hard enough36700:11:17,000 –> 00:11:18,000Evangelizing everyone else36800:11:18,000 –> 00:11:19,000in the whole world36900:11:19,000 –> 00:11:20,000must have seemed37000:11:20,000 –> 00:11:22,000completely overwhelming37100:11:22,000 –> 00:11:24,000and daunting indeed37200:11:25,000 –> 00:11:26,000Now I’ve found37300:11:26,000 –> 00:11:28,000when I come to the word Gentile37400:11:28,000 –> 00:11:29,000in the Bible37500:11:29,000 –> 00:11:31,000that I find it helpful37600:11:31,000 –> 00:11:33,000to read it with this phrase37700:11:33,000 –> 00:11:34,000the whole world37800:11:34,000 –> 00:11:35,000Cause that’s really what it means37900:11:35,000 –> 00:11:36,000the nations38000:11:37,000 –> 00:11:38,000Gentile means38100:11:38,000 –> 00:11:39,000everybody who is not a Jew38200:11:39,000 –> 00:11:41,000so it’s really the whole world38300:11:41,000 –> 00:11:43,000that is all of the cultures38400:11:43,000 –> 00:11:44,000of the world38500:11:44,000 –> 00:11:46,000outside of the Jewish nation38600:11:46,000 –> 00:11:47,000So if you’ll follow38700:11:47,000 –> 00:11:48,000let me read verses38800:11:48,000 –> 00:11:49,000seven to nine38900:11:49,000 –> 00:11:50,000this way so that we get39000:11:50,000 –> 00:11:51,000the emphasis39100:11:51,000 –> 00:11:51,00039200:11:51,000 –> 00:11:52,000verse seven39300:11:52,000 –> 00:11:53,000These men added nothing39400:11:53,000 –> 00:11:54,000to my message39500:11:54,000 –> 00:11:55,000on the contrary39600:11:55,000 –> 00:11:56,000they saw that39700:11:56,000 –> 00:11:57,000I had been entrusted39800:11:57,000 –> 00:11:58,000with the task39900:11:58,000 –> 00:11:59,000of preaching40000:11:59,000 –> 00:12:00,000the gospel40100:12:00,000 –> 00:12:02,000to the whole world40200:12:02,000 –> 00:12:03,000just as Peter40300:12:03,000 –> 00:12:05,000had been to the Jews40400:12:05,000 –> 00:12:06,000for God who was40500:12:06,000 –> 00:12:07,000at work in the ministry40600:12:07,000 –> 00:12:09,000of Peter to the Jews40700:12:09,000 –> 00:12:10,000was also at work40800:12:10,000 –> 00:12:11,000in my ministry40900:12:11,000 –> 00:12:12,000as an apostle41000:12:12,000 –> 00:12:13,000to the whole world41100:12:14,000 –> 00:12:15,000James Peter and John41200:12:15,000 –> 00:12:16,000those reputed to be pillars41300:12:16,000 –> 00:12:17,000gave me and Barnabas41400:12:17,000 –> 00:12:18,000the right hand41500:12:18,000 –> 00:12:19,000in their fellowship41600:12:19,000 –> 00:12:20,000when they recognized41700:12:20,000 –> 00:12:21,000the grace given to me41800:12:21,000 –> 00:12:22,000they agreed41900:12:22,000 –> 00:12:23,000we should go to42000:12:23,000 –> 00:12:24,000the whole world42100:12:24,000 –> 00:12:25,000and that they42200:12:25,000 –> 00:12:26,000should go42300:12:26,000 –> 00:12:27,000to42400:12:27,000 –> 00:12:28,000the Jews42500:12:29,000 –> 00:12:30,000now this is a strange42600:12:30,000 –> 00:12:31,000division of labor42700:12:31,000 –> 00:12:32,000don’t you think42800:12:35,000 –> 00:12:37,000Twelve Apostles42900:12:37,000 –> 00:12:38,000in Jerusalem43000:12:38,000 –> 00:12:39,000and all of the resources43100:12:39,000 –> 00:12:40,000of the Jerusalem43200:12:40,000 –> 00:12:41,000Church43300:12:41,000 –> 00:12:42,000though interestingly43400:12:42,000 –> 00:12:43,000enough43500:12:43,000 –> 00:12:44,000that inward looking43600:12:44,000 –> 00:12:45,000church quickly43700:12:45,000 –> 00:12:46,000became poor43800:12:47,000 –> 00:12:48,000Twelve Apostles43900:12:48,000 –> 00:12:50,000in Jerusalem44000:12:50,000 –> 00:12:51,000and all of44100:12:51,000 –> 00:12:52,000their focuses44200:12:52,000 –> 00:12:53,000on mission44300:12:53,000 –> 00:12:54,000to the Jews44400:12:55,000 –> 00:12:57,000a hugely44500:12:57,000 –> 00:12:58,000significant44600:12:58,000 –> 00:12:59,000but proportionally44700:12:59,000 –> 00:13:00,000tiny sliver44800:13:00,000 –> 00:13:01,000of the world44900:13:01,000 –> 00:13:02,000population45000:13:04,000 –> 00:13:05,000and this one man45100:13:05,000 –> 00:13:06,000Paul45200:13:07,000 –> 00:13:08,000is responsible45300:13:08,000 –> 00:13:10,000for evangelism45400:13:11,000 –> 00:13:12,000to everyone else45500:13:12,000 –> 00:13:16,000that is a45600:13:16,000 –> 00:13:18,000strange division of labour45700:13:21,000 –> 00:13:22,000the vast majority45800:13:22,000 –> 00:13:23,000of the resources45900:13:23,000 –> 00:13:25,000of the church of Jesus Christ46000:13:25,000 –> 00:13:26,000focused overwhelmingly46100:13:26,000 –> 00:13:28,000on a tiny segment46200:13:28,000 –> 00:13:30,000of the worlds population46300:13:34,000 –> 00:13:35,000and there isn’t a missionary46400:13:35,000 –> 00:13:36,000in the world today46500:13:36,000 –> 00:13:37,000who does not feel46600:13:37,000 –> 00:13:38,000that pain46700:13:38,000 –> 00:13:39,000and that tension right now46800:13:43,000 –> 00:13:45,000well that was their agreement46900:13:45,000 –> 00:13:47,000they shook hands on it47000:13:47,000 –> 00:13:48,000and off they went47100:13:48,000 –> 00:13:50,000to pursue their different ministries47200:13:50,000 –> 00:13:52,000Peter and the apostles47300:13:52,000 –> 00:13:55,000based in Jerusalem to the Jews47400:13:55,000 –> 00:13:56,000and Paul with the overwhelming47500:13:56,000 –> 00:13:59,000challenge of the rest of the world47600:14:01,000 –> 00:14:03,000and that was fine we’re told47700:14:03,000 –> 00:14:05,000until verse 1147800:14:05,000 –> 00:14:10,000when Peter came to Antioch47900:14:10,000 –> 00:14:11,000and then something48000:14:11,000 –> 00:14:13,000went wrong48100:14:15,000 –> 00:14:16,000verse 1248200:14:16,000 –> 00:14:20,000before certain men came from James48300:14:20,000 –> 00:14:23,000Peter used to eat with the Gentiles48400:14:25,000 –> 00:14:27,000but when they arrived48500:14:27,000 –> 00:14:29,000he began to draw back48600:14:31,000 –> 00:14:33,000he no longer ate with them48700:14:35,000 –> 00:14:36,000now this business of eating of course48800:14:36,000 –> 00:14:37,000eating with the Gentiles48900:14:37,000 –> 00:14:40,000that really meant recognizing them49000:14:40,000 –> 00:14:42,000as authentic believers49100:14:42,000 –> 00:14:43,000And Peter had done this49200:14:43,000 –> 00:14:44,000he shared fellowship with them49300:14:44,000 –> 00:14:47,000recognized them as authentic believers49400:14:47,000 –> 00:14:49,000but when certain men from James came49500:14:49,000 –> 00:14:50,000he drew back49600:14:51,000 –> 00:14:52,000now why did he draw back49700:14:52,000 –> 00:14:54,000from recognizing these49800:14:54,000 –> 00:14:55,000foreign believers49900:14:55,000 –> 00:14:56,000Gentile believers50000:14:56,000 –> 00:14:58,000as authentic Christians50100:14:58,000 –> 00:14:59,000well he began to draw back50200:14:59,000 –> 00:15:00,000verse 1250300:15:00,000 –> 00:15:02,000and separate himself from these Gentiles50400:15:02,000 –> 00:15:05,000because he was afraid50500:15:05,000 –> 00:15:06,000of those who belonged to50600:15:06,000 –> 00:15:10,000the circumcision group50700:15:10,000 –> 00:15:11,000here’s trouble50800:15:12,000 –> 00:15:15,000the circumcision group50900:15:18,000 –> 00:15:19,000so we’re being told quite clearly51000:15:19,000 –> 00:15:21,000that Peter pulled back51100:15:21,000 –> 00:15:22,000from fellowship51200:15:22,000 –> 00:15:24,000from recognizing51300:15:24,000 –> 00:15:25,000the gentiles51400:15:25,000 –> 00:15:26,000as authentic believers51500:15:26,000 –> 00:15:28,000because he was taking the heat51600:15:28,000 –> 00:15:30,000from a powerful group of people51700:15:30,000 –> 00:15:32,000who wanted to impose51800:15:33,000 –> 00:15:35,000the distinctives of their jewish51900:15:35,000 –> 00:15:38,000heritage on other believers52000:15:39,000 –> 00:15:40,000this was what they were doing52100:15:40,000 –> 00:15:41,000in Jerusalem52200:15:41,000 –> 00:15:42,000but now they come on52300:15:42,000 –> 00:15:44,000to Paul’s territory52400:15:44,000 –> 00:15:46,000in Antioch52500:15:46,000 –> 00:15:47,000and when gentiles52600:15:47,000 –> 00:15:49,000are coming to faith52700:15:49,000 –> 00:15:50,000in Jesus Christ52800:15:50,000 –> 00:15:51,000these folks52900:15:51,000 –> 00:15:53,000have come down from James53000:15:53,000 –> 00:15:54,000the circumcision group53100:15:54,000 –> 00:15:55,000they go round the churches53200:15:55,000 –> 00:15:56,000and they say53300:15:56,000 –> 00:15:57,000now look, it’s great to have you53400:15:57,000 –> 00:15:59,000coming to faith in Jesus Christ53500:15:59,000 –> 00:16:01,000but now you need53600:16:01,000 –> 00:16:01,00053700:16:01,000 –> 00:16:02,000the commandments that he53800:16:02,000 –> 00:16:03,000has given to us53900:16:03,000 –> 00:16:04,000the Jewish people54000:16:04,000 –> 00:16:05,000and these, of course54100:16:05,000 –> 00:16:06,000included the circumcision54200:16:06,000 –> 00:16:07,000dietary laws54300:16:07,000 –> 00:16:09,000and Old Testament festivals54400:16:09,000 –> 00:16:12,000and so forth and so on54500:16:13,000 –> 00:16:15,000now, it is very interesting54600:16:15,000 –> 00:16:18,000that this powerful group54700:16:18,000 –> 00:16:19,000in the early church54800:16:19,000 –> 00:16:21,000the circumcision group54900:16:21,000 –> 00:16:24,000they put the heat on Paul55000:16:25,000 –> 00:16:28,000and they put the heat on Peter55100:16:28,000 –> 00:16:30,000but with completely opposite results55200:16:31,000 –> 00:16:33,000look at what happened55300:16:33,000 –> 00:16:36,000when they tried to recruit Paul55400:16:36,000 –> 00:16:38,000to advance their cause55500:16:38,000 –> 00:16:39,000verse 455600:16:39,000 –> 00:16:41,000”some false brothers55700:16:41,000 –> 00:16:44,000had infiltrated our ranks55800:16:44,000 –> 00:16:47,000to spy on the freedom55900:16:47,000 –> 00:16:49,000we have in Christ Jesus56000:16:49,000 –> 00:16:51,000and to make us slaves56100:16:51,000 –> 00:16:53,000trying to recruit Paul you see56200:16:54,000 –> 00:16:56,000we did not give in56300:16:56,000 –> 00:16:59,000to them for a moment56400:17:00,000 –> 00:17:02,000so that the truth of the Gospel56500:17:02,000 –> 00:17:04,000might remain in you”56600:17:05,000 –> 00:17:07,000They turned the heat up on us Paul says56700:17:07,000 –> 00:17:08,000they tried to recruit us56800:17:08,000 –> 00:17:10,000and to paceralise us56900:17:10,000 –> 00:17:12,000into advancing the imposition57000:17:12,000 –> 00:17:14,000of these Jewish distinctives57100:17:14,000 –> 00:17:15,000on everyone else57200:17:15,000 –> 00:17:17,000and we didn’t give in to them for a moment57300:17:17,000 –> 00:17:18,000why ?57400:17:18,000 –> 00:17:19,000because we stood up to protect57500:17:19,000 –> 00:17:21,000the freedom of the Gospel57600:17:21,000 –> 00:17:23,000for you57700:17:25,000 –> 00:17:26,000Then notice what happened57800:17:26,000 –> 00:17:27,000when they turned up the heat on Peter57900:17:27,000 –> 00:17:29,000Verse 1258000:17:30,000 –> 00:17:32,000when they arrived58100:17:32,000 –> 00:17:33,000he began to draw back58200:17:33,000 –> 00:17:35,000and separate himself from the58300:17:35,000 –> 00:17:37,000Gentiles58400:17:37,000 –> 00:17:39,000because he was afraid58500:17:39,000 –> 00:17:40,000of those who belonged58600:17:40,000 –> 00:17:42,000to the circumcision group58700:17:42,000 –> 00:17:44,000So the same pressure58800:17:44,000 –> 00:17:46,000on the two leading apostles58900:17:46,000 –> 00:17:48,000from this powerful group59000:17:48,000 –> 00:17:50,000of people out of Jerusalem59100:17:50,000 –> 00:17:52,000and completely opposite results59200:17:52,000 –> 00:17:54,000Paul stands firm59300:17:54,000 –> 00:17:55,000for the freedom of the gospel59400:17:55,000 –> 00:17:56,000in Jesus Christ59500:17:56,000 –> 00:17:58,000for the authenticity59600:17:58,000 –> 00:18:00,000of these new Gentile believers59700:18:00,000 –> 00:18:02,000And Peter under pressure59800:18:02,000 –> 00:18:04,000caves in59900:18:04,000 –> 00:18:06,000And when Peter caves in60000:18:06,000 –> 00:18:08,000Barnabas soon follows60100:18:08,000 –> 00:18:10,000and soon there was a great division60200:18:10,000 –> 00:18:12,000So we find that Paul therefore60300:18:12,000 –> 00:18:14,000had to stand up to Peter60400:18:14,000 –> 00:18:16,000Verse 1460500:18:16,000 –> 00:18:18,000when I saw that they were not acting in line with60600:18:18,000 –> 00:18:20,000the truth of the gospel60700:18:20,000 –> 00:18:22,000I said to Peter in front of them all60800:18:22,000 –> 00:18:24,000You are a Jew60900:18:24,000 –> 00:18:26,000like a Gentile and not61000:18:26,000 –> 00:18:28,000a Jew. How is it then61100:18:28,000 –> 00:18:30,000that you force Gentiles61200:18:30,000 –> 00:18:32,000to follow Jewish customs61300:18:32,000 –> 00:18:34,000you see, he capitulated61400:18:36,000 –> 00:18:38,000now I know by61500:18:38,000 –> 00:18:40,00015 minutes in61600:18:40,000 –> 00:18:42,000folks are going to be saying61700:18:42,000 –> 00:18:44,000this is all very interesting stuff from the Bible61800:18:44,000 –> 00:18:46,000but what in the world does it have to do with us61900:18:46,000 –> 00:18:48,000is that your question?62000:18:50,000 –> 00:18:52,000far more to do with us than62100:18:52,000 –> 00:18:54,000you can easily see it the eye62200:18:56,000 –> 00:19:00,000the circumcision group believed in Jesus62300:19:00,000 –> 00:19:02,000but they had a narrow62400:19:02,000 –> 00:19:04,000ministry to people who shared62500:19:04,000 –> 00:19:06,000their heritage62600:19:06,000 –> 00:19:08,000they felt62700:19:08,000 –> 00:19:10,000the Christian unity depended on62800:19:10,000 –> 00:19:12,000everyone else who came to Christ62900:19:12,000 –> 00:19:14,000adopting their treasured63000:19:14,000 –> 00:19:16,000distinctions63100:19:16,000 –> 00:19:18,000anyone is welcome63200:19:18,000 –> 00:19:20,000they would say but they have to become like63300:19:20,000 –> 00:19:22,000and63400:19:22,000 –> 00:19:24,000these distinctives become a condition63500:19:24,000 –> 00:19:26,000of fellowship63600:19:28,000 –> 00:19:30,000and I hope that you can63700:19:30,000 –> 00:19:32,000see that if they had63800:19:32,000 –> 00:19:34,000prevailed in the63900:19:34,000 –> 00:19:36,000in the early church the gospel would have64000:19:36,000 –> 00:19:38,000stayed within the narrow bounds of64100:19:38,000 –> 00:19:40,000Jewish culture and it would64200:19:40,000 –> 00:19:42,000never have reached the world64300:19:42,000 –> 00:19:44,000it would never have come to us today64400:19:44,000 –> 00:19:46,000right64500:19:46,000 –> 00:19:48,000it would have remained in a64600:19:48,000 –> 00:19:50,000like water64700:19:50,000 –> 00:19:52,000limited to one64800:19:52,000 –> 00:19:54,000cultural expression64900:19:56,000 –> 00:19:58,000folks like us65000:19:58,000 –> 00:20:00,000are ready to become like us65100:20:00,000 –> 00:20:02,000and you cannot reach the world on that basis65200:20:04,000 –> 00:20:06,000that’s what this debate was all about65300:20:08,000 –> 00:20:10,000so I thank god from the bottom of my heart65400:20:10,000 –> 00:20:12,000that Paul stood up65500:20:12,000 –> 00:20:14,000to Peter when he was wrong65600:20:14,000 –> 00:20:16,000don’t you thank god for that65700:20:16,000 –> 00:20:18,000don’t you see65800:20:18,000 –> 00:20:20,000that otherwise the gospel would never have come to us65900:20:20,000 –> 00:20:22,000and we wouldn’t be here today66000:20:24,000 –> 00:20:26,000if paul had not stood up to Peter66100:20:26,000 –> 00:20:28,000the gospel would never have reached the world66200:20:28,000 –> 00:20:30,000and if we do not stand up for the gospel66300:20:30,000 –> 00:20:32,000it will not reach others66400:20:32,000 –> 00:20:34,000but we’ll remain here within a narrow band of people66500:20:36,000 –> 00:20:38,000the gospel is worth defending66600:20:40,000 –> 00:20:42,000because it’s what? Its grace66700:20:42,000 –> 00:20:44,000it’s life66800:20:44,000 –> 00:20:46,000it’s for the world66900:20:46,000 –> 00:20:48,000let’s catch that again67000:20:48,000 –> 00:20:50,000it’s grace, it’s life, it’s for the world67100:20:52,000 –> 00:20:54,000u’ve been listening to open the bible67200:20:54,000 –> 00:20:56,000with pastor colin smith67300:20:56,000 –> 00:20:58,000and a message called67400:20:58,000 –> 00:21:00,000the gospel is worth defending67500:21:00,000 –> 00:21:02,000it’s part of our series67600:21:02,000 –> 00:21:04,000Grasping the Gospel67700:21:04,000 –> 00:21:06,000and if you’ve missed any of the series67800:21:06,000 –> 00:21:08,000or if you want to go back and listen again67900:21:08,000 –> 00:21:10,000you can do that by coming online to our website68000:21:10,000 –> 00:21:12,000openthebible.org.uk68100:21:12,000 –> 00:21:14,000and once again those are on all the main podcast sites68200:21:14,000 –> 00:21:16,000search for Open The Bible UK68300:21:16,000 –> 00:21:18,000and subscribe if you want to be68400:21:18,000 –> 00:21:20,000reminded regularly to receive that podcast68500:21:20,000 –> 00:21:22,000Also on our website68600:21:22,000 –> 00:21:24,000and available as a podcast68700:21:24,000 –> 00:21:26,000you can find Open the Bible68800:21:26,000 –> 00:21:28,000daily. It’s a series of short68900:21:28,000 –> 00:21:30,000two-to-three-minute daily reflections69000:21:30,000 –> 00:21:32,000based on Pastor Collins69100:21:32,000 –> 00:21:34,000teaching, and read in the69200:21:34,000 –> 00:21:36,000UK by Sue McCleish. There’s a new one69300:21:36,000 –> 00:21:38,000every day, and many people find it’s69400:21:38,000 –> 00:21:40,000a great way to start the day69500:21:40,000 –> 00:21:42,000Also on our website69600:21:42,000 –> 00:21:44,000you’ll find our Bible study course69700:21:44,000 –> 00:21:46,000Fly through the Bible69800:21:46,000 –> 00:21:48,000This short, simple journey through the Bible69900:21:48,000 –> 00:21:50,000story can be enjoyed on your own70000:21:50,000 –> 00:21:52,000with a friend, or as a group70100:21:52,000 –> 00:21:54,000For each of the fiveteen sessions70200:21:54,000 –> 00:21:56,000you can watch a short video70300:21:56,000 –> 00:21:58,000then work through the questions70400:21:58,000 –> 00:22:00,000If you want to do a more detailed70500:22:00,000 –> 00:22:02,000Bible study, a guide is available70600:22:02,000 –> 00:22:04,000for you to use in small groups70700:22:04,000 –> 00:22:06,000or one to one70800:22:06,000 –> 00:22:08,000To make the most of Fly through the Bible70900:22:08,000 –> 00:22:10,000recommend buying the book71000:22:10,000 –> 00:22:12,000There is also a free app that can be used71100:22:12,000 –> 00:22:14,000alongside all the materials71200:22:14,000 –> 00:22:16,000To find Fly Through the Bible71300:22:16,000 –> 00:22:18,000go to our website71400:22:18,000 –> 00:22:20,000openthebible.org.uk71500:22:20,000 –> 00:22:22,000and click on courses71600:22:22,000 –> 00:22:24,000At Open The Bible we welcome71700:22:24,000 –> 00:22:26,000contact with our listeners71800:22:26,000 –> 00:22:28,000If you’ve been blessed by Pastor Colin Smith’s71900:22:28,000 –> 00:22:30,000teaching and you’d like to72000:22:30,000 –> 00:22:32,000reach out to us, there are several ways you can72100:22:32,000 –> 00:22:34,000do that. You can write to us72200:22:34,000 –> 00:22:36,000at Open The Bible72300:22:36,000 –> 00:22:43,000or you can phone us72400:22:43,000 –> 00:22:50,000or you can phone us72500:22:50,000 –> 00:22:52,000If we’re not available72600:22:52,000 –> 00:22:54,000when you call, leave a message for us72700:22:54,000 –> 00:22:56,000and we’ll return your call72800:22:56,000 –> 00:22:58,000And you can find all those contact details72900:22:58,000 –> 00:23:00,000on our website73000:23:00,000 –> 00:23:02,000openthebible.org.uk73100:23:02,000 –> 00:23:04,000Open The Bible is supported73200:23:04,000 –> 00:23:06,000by our listeners financially73300:23:06,000 –> 00:23:08,000We do depend on people like you73400:23:08,000 –> 00:23:10,000to keep Pastor Colin Smith’s73500:23:10,000 –> 00:23:12,000messages on the radio and online73600:23:12,000 –> 00:23:14,000so if you already support us in that way73700:23:14,000 –> 00:23:16,000thank you very much73800:23:16,000 –> 00:23:18,000If that’s something you’re considering73900:23:18,000 –> 00:23:20,000starting to do this month74000:23:20,000 –> 00:23:22,000if you’re able to set up74100:23:22,000 –> 00:23:24,000a new direct debit of £5 per month74200:23:24,000 –> 00:23:26,000or a one-off gift of £50 or more74300:23:26,000 –> 00:23:28,000we’d love to say thank you74400:23:28,000 –> 00:23:30,000by sending you74500:23:30,000 –> 00:23:32,000Pilgrim’s Progress74600:23:32,000 –> 00:23:34,000a classic allegory about the Christian life74700:23:34,000 –> 00:23:36,000which so many have enjoyed74800:23:36,000 –> 00:23:38,000and benefited greatly from reading74900:23:38,000 –> 00:23:40,000along with the book75000:23:40,000 –> 00:23:42,000we’ll send you a specially printed75100:23:42,000 –> 00:23:44,000Open The Bible bookmark75200:23:44,000 –> 00:23:46,000and an Open The Bible pen75300:23:46,000 –> 00:23:48,000Colin, I’ve heard that this is one of your favourite books75400:23:48,000 –> 00:23:50,000It absolutely is75500:23:50,000 –> 00:23:52,000In fact if I was75600:23:52,000 –> 00:23:54,000stranded on a desert island75700:23:54,000 –> 00:23:56,000and I was only allowed to take75800:23:56,000 –> 00:23:58,000one book apart from the bible75900:23:58,000 –> 00:24:00,000then my choice76000:24:00,000 –> 00:24:02,000would definitely be76100:24:02,000 –> 00:24:04,000John Bunyan’s Pilgrims Progress76200:24:04,000 –> 00:24:06,000Here’s why76300:24:06,000 –> 00:24:08,000If you’ve got one book besides the bible76400:24:08,000 –> 00:24:10,000you would want to have something that was enjoyable76500:24:10,000 –> 00:24:12,000compelling76600:24:12,000 –> 00:24:14,000you’d want to have things you’d keep coming back to76700:24:14,000 –> 00:24:16,000and you’d want to have something76800:24:16,000 –> 00:24:18,000that did you lasting good76900:24:18,000 –> 00:24:20,000and John Bunyan’s77000:24:20,000 –> 00:24:22,000’s Pilgrim’s Progress has77100:24:22,000 –> 00:24:24,000fulfilled all of these things in my life77200:24:24,000 –> 00:24:26,000it really is a treasured77300:24:26,000 –> 00:24:28,000book and I’m absolutely77400:24:28,000 –> 00:24:30,000delighted that we are77500:24:30,000 –> 00:24:32,000able to offer this month77600:24:32,000 –> 00:24:34,000John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress77700:24:34,000 –> 00:24:36,000it is a book that you will77800:24:36,000 –> 00:24:38,000treasure and every Christian77900:24:38,000 –> 00:24:40,000home ought to have a copy78000:24:40,000 –> 00:24:42,000so we’d love to send you a copy of78100:24:42,000 –> 00:24:44,000Pilgrims Progress to say thank you78200:24:44,000 –> 00:24:46,000for setting up a new direct debit78300:24:46,000 –> 00:24:48,000in the amount of £5 per month78400:24:48,000 –> 00:24:50,000or more or a one off gift78500:24:50,000 –> 00:24:52,000of £50 or more78600:24:52,000 –> 00:24:54,000this month in support of78700:24:54,000 –> 00:24:56,000open the bible78800:24:56,000 –> 00:24:58,000Bibles and Conditions are on our website78900:24:58,000 –> 00:25:00,000that’s at openthebible.org.uk79000:25:00,000 –> 00:25:02,000For Open the Bible79100:25:02,000 –> 00:25:04,000and for pastor Colin Smith79200:25:04,000 –> 00:25:06,000I’m David Pick and I hope79300:25:06,000 –> 00:25:08,000you’ll be able to join us again very soon79400:25:12,000 –> 00:25:14,000Grace sounds wonderful79500:25:14,000 –> 00:25:16,000but in reality there is79600:25:16,000 –> 00:25:18,000something in all of us that we79700:25:18,000 –> 00:25:20,000find it easier to earn than79800:25:20,000 –> 00:25:22,000to receive79900:25:22,000 –> 00:25:24,000discover why this always fails80000:25:24,000 –> 00:25:26,000and find God. Next time on80100:25:26,000 –> 00:25:31,000Open the Bible

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Colin Smith

Trustee / Founder and Teaching Pastor

Colin Smith is the Senior Pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. He has authored a number of books, including Heaven, How I Got Here and Heaven, So Near – So Far. Colin is the Founder and Teaching Pastor for Open the Bible. Follow him on X formerly Twitter.

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Sermons on Galatians Your past is forgiven and your future is secure…but how can you face the challenges of life today? Many Christians have grasped that the gospel is about forgiveness for their past sins and security for their eternal future, but they haven’t grasped the power and presence of Christ in their lives today.

Colin Smith

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