Tag: The Gospel

Bible Studies

“Introduction” Let Freedom Ring: the book of Galatians

Loring Schultz

Read: Galatians 1:1-10 NLT – Greetings from Paul – This letter is – Bible Gateway

“This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.” Galatians 1:1 NLT

Photo by James Coleman on Unsplash

This week in Biblical Insights we begin a new series in the New Testament book of Galatians. Our opening verse tells us the apostle Paul authored this book which was actually a letter written to the churches in Galatia. These were churches Paul founded on his first missionary journey in cities throughout ancient Asia Minor. This is the only epistle Paul wrote addressing more than one city. Here he is addressing those in the Galatia region. The main theme in Paul’s letter to the Galatians is ‘justification by faith,’ which Paul preached when establishing these churches. There are no works involved for one to come to Christ but to accept His free gift of salvation. The purpose for writing to the Galatian churches was to correct false teaching that was being spread after Paul had left to continue his journey. These false teachers were agitators who did not like Paul and attacked him personally as not being qualified to preach let alone refer to himself as an apostle. They accused Paul of preaching a false gospel when he preach salvation by faith alone. The Judaizers, as they were called, were adding works and Jewish traditions to faith, and therefore distorting the gospel message of ‘salvation by grace through faith alone.’

The book of Galatians is sometimes referred to as the ‘Magna Charta of Christian Liberty’ or ‘Declaration of Independence of Christian liberty.’ Martin Luther called Galatians his ‘Catherine von Bora’ after his wife. He loved her and he loved the book of Galatians and said, “I am married to it,” as Luther was married to his wife. The central truth in the book is again, ‘man is justified by faith in Jesus Christ,’ nothing else is needed. This was the core of Luther’s ministry as well.

It was important to Paul but vital for the churches to recognize Paul’s apostleship. He claimed to be a direct appointee by Jesus Christ and God the Father. Paul’s message was serious, simple and to the point but he would speak it with authority. Paul needed to seen as a true apostle with  apostolic authority. His enemies did all they could to cast doubt on his credentials. So, Paul starts out by saying, “I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.” (Gal.1:1 nlt) Paul then gives them his greeting which will become his custom in the rest of his letters, “May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” (Gal.1:2 nlt) After his initial greetings Paul jumps right into the gospel message stating Jesus gave up His life voluntarily according to Father’s plan to save us from our sins.

The Galatian churches started well but it wasn’t long before Paul had heard how quickly how the Judaizers were persuading them to turn away from the true gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ is Good News as Paul preached. What the people in Galatia were now being taught in Paul’s absence, Paul says, “is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.” (Gal.1:7 nlt) The Judaizers were deliberately twisting or perverting the gospel by adding traditions of the law to it. Part of what was taught was a Christian needed to be circumcised in the Jewish tradition. They reasoned Jesus was a Jew and Christianity has its root in the Jewish religion of the Old Testament. This distorts the simple message of belief in Jesus by faith as all that is needed. Jesus Himself said to Nicodemus, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 nlt) Jesus did not say anything else needed to be added, including good works to earn your way to heaven. No, only simple faith in Christ as your savior is all that is required.

This was such a serious issue for the churches in Galatia and for churches today in 2026 that Paul boldly states with authority, “Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.” (Gal.1:8 nlt) There is no other gospel. There is no other way. So many churches today are falling into the trap the early church fell into. People feel there needs to be something else, or good works to get them to heaven. Some are beginning to as we say ‘coexist’ and accept all religions as a way to get to heaven. You have had it said, ‘all roads lead to heaven.’ Well, what does Paul, who was appointed by Jesus as an apostle say? “I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.” (Gal.1:9 nlt)

Stone church marked “ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΓΑΛΑΤΑΣ” amid rolling hills and trees

This is serious business. If you believe the Bible is God’s Word you cannot possibly accept any other form of salvation. If you deny any part of the Bible referring to salvation or you add something, such as good deeds, or aligning with other religions of the world you are as Paul says of those who preach such things, ‘let that person be cursed.’ The word ‘cursed’ actually means ‘doomed to destruction.’ This all sounds frightening and it should, but beneath it all is the Good News Paul preaches about the love of God who sent His Son for us. Jesus Christ  provided the way for us, the only way.

Next week Paul explains his call to apostleship………

Devotionals

Test Yourself

Loring Schultz

“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority.” 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 NLT

 Photo by Mitchell Hartley on Unsplash

The apostle Paul had been challenged several times on his missionary journeys as to his genuine faith and being accused of not being a true apostle. At the end of his second letter to the church at Corinth he told his readers to examine themselves to see if ‘their’ faith was truly genuine. The people saw themselves as true Christians but did not see Paul the same way. Paul was their spiritual father. “For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you.” (1Cor.4:15 nlt) Paul presented them with some good old common sense, if his faith was not genuine neither was theirs. Paul preached the same gospel to them that he believed and they had accepted Christ as Paul preached it.

How could Paul’s readers test themselves to see if they were true faith believers in Christ? How can we do the same? Paul gives us a couple of surefire ways in his letter to the Galatians. In Galatians 6:6-10, Paul teaches the law of sowing and reaping. You plant what you sow. Sow good seed, get good fruit. If a person has truly received Christ eventually good fruit will be evident. Good deeds will become evident. Paul encourages them, “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” (Gal.6:10 nlt) And in chapter 2 Paul writes a true Christian is aware of the change that has taken place in them, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal.2:20 nlt)

Christians are saved by grace and we are not perfect. We will fail at times but can ask for forgiveness and we can test ourselves to see if we are truly in the faith. If Christ is in you through the Holy Spirit you have passed the test. Have you tested yourself?

Devotionals

Something New   

Loring Schultz

Read: Acts 17:16-21 ESV – Paul in Athens – Now while Paul was – Bible Gateway

“Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.” Acts 17:21 ESV

Bearded men discuss an astronomical instrument and scroll in an ancient marketplace
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A common expression each of us have when we meet an old acquaintance is ‘what’s new’? It could also be a dear friend we see often and asks, ‘what’s new’? Everyone is interested in the latest developments of one’s life or life in general. In other words, ‘what’s going on’? The apostle Paul had an experience where he met with a bunch of people who were always asking, ‘what’s new’? While in Athens waiting for Silas and Timothy to join him Paul walked around town looking at the sights. He noticed the many idols of worship of different gods spread throughout the city. They apparently did not have enough gods and were always looking for something new.

Paul would go to the marketplace and speak about Jesus with whoever was there wanting to hear something new. He also spoke with the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers who were certainly interested in this new thing being presented. They had no clue about the Lord God of heaven or His Son Jesus, as many in our day do not as well, or at least have an understanding. We may find this hard to believe but just look at a few statistics below from here in America:

“Most adults—not quite six in 10—believe Jesus was God (56%). Millennials are the only generation among whom fewer than half believe Jesus was God (48%). About half of Americans agree, either strongly or somewhat, that while he lived on earth, Jesus Christ was human and committed sins like other people (52%). Many adults believe, however, that they will go to heaven as a result of their good works. Broadly speaking, this is the most common perception among Americans who have never made a commitment to Jesus—and it is also quite common among self-identified Christians.” (1) It looks like the church in America has ‘something new’ to share. That’s us family!

(1) https://www.barna.com/research/what-do-americans-believe-about-jesus-5-popular-beliefs/

Devotionals

Believe What You Don’t Understand

Loring Schultz

Read: John 16:16-30 NLT – Sadness Will Be Turned to Joy – “In a – Bible Gateway

‘“In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.’ Some of the disciples asked each other, ‘What does he mean when he says, In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me, and I am going to the Father? And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”’ John 16:16-18 NLT

Photo by wisconsinpictures on Unsplash

Jesus’ disciples had a challenging time understanding what He was teaching them. I guess it would be fair to say we wouldn’t either. Jesus had spent three years with these men and was ready to leave them. Here in today’s text Jesus was summarizing the events which would take place in a few days from all He had taught them. Jesus told them plainly what was going to occur when they arrived in Jerusalem for the Passover but it didn’t register with them. To be fair, maybe it didn’t register with them because it seemed impossible. Each time Jesus told His disciples that He would be handed over as a criminal and be killed He always told them of His rising up in three days. But it was still hard for them to understand.

The disciples begin to understand as Jesus says He had been speaking to them figuratively. Then He said to them, “Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.” (Jn.16:28 nlt) This is a reference of Jesus’ ascension into heaven after he is raised from the dead. They finally got it. The disciples believed Jesus is the Son of God who came from the Father. They may not have understood everything, but they knew enough that Jesus is God who had come into the world to save sinners.

You may be struggling to understand all there is to know about Jesus and God the Father. God’s salvation plan may sound far fetched in its simplicity that it doesn’t register with you. But it is that simple. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 nlt) Believe what you don’t understand.

A Christian Perspective

The Effect of the 1.1 percent    

Loring Schultz

“You are the salt of the earth………You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:13-14 NLT

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Pexels.com

‘Social media influencing has become a cornerstone of digital culture, with millions of creators shaping trends and connecting with audiences in meaningful ways. This ever-evolving landscape fosters limitless opportunities for personal expression, brand collaboration, and innovative storytelling. For those ready to embrace the power of creativity and connection, the potential to leave a lasting impact has never been greater.’ (1)

Social Media is part of everyday life in the 21st century and continues to grow whether we like it or not. We can make a concentrated effort to avoid it by not engaging in it, but the effects of social media is seen and felt in many ways as we go through our day. This is not a ‘if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em’ piece, but an analysis of the current facts of ‘influencers’ on social media.

According to recent statistics, there are 58 million influencers on social media. The 58 million represent 1.1% of all social media users. Total social media users worldwide is now over 5 billion people. PEW research found that 40% of adults in America follow influencers. Social media influencers can make a living by sharing their expertise in a certain field catering to their followers needs, which 30% of them have done. These media platforms are a powerful tool, and if used the right way will better society as a whole.

What is the best news to influence others to better their lives here on earth but also provide a secure future in eternity? Every Christian should be an influencer whether on social media or not. You do not need to be on social media to persuade others by presenting the gospel. Social media is a great tool to use if you are so inclined to participate. We all know there is enough bad influence going viral, let us share some positive influence and be one of the 1.1% to make a difference.

(1) There Are 58 Million Influencers on Social Media (2026)

Devotionals

Theologically Speaking           

Loring Schultz

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.’” Luke 6:20 ESV

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger.” John 6:35 ESV

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

I have heard it said from a well-known modern-day theologian that everyone is a theologian. All of us have a theology that we hold to. You may say I have no theological point of view, not even a thought of one. But you do and have thought about it. Simply put, theology is the study of God. You may not study God, but you have thoughts about Him, and even if you say there is no God, you have thought about Him who you believe is not there, theologically speaking.

Even among Christians there are differing theological views concerning God and His Word. Putting a stronger emphasis on certain doctrines will distinguish a theological view not held by all Christians. This doesn’t insinuate error but a disagreement on the subject matter. There are many such passages presented in Scripture which can be worked out between believers or agreeing to disagree as the saying goes.

One example would be the text verses above, two statements by Jesus concerning those who have a hunger for God and righteousness. Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Lk.6:20 esv) Jesus is speaking of those who are poor in spirit seeking righteousness. In the book of John Jesus says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger.” (Jn.6:35 esv) Jesus is not referring to physical hunger, but again a spiritual hunger.

In the above example some people will put a stronger emphasis on ‘poor’ and ‘hunger’ in their theological view in caring for the poor and hungry. No doubt helping the less fortunate is what all Christians ought to be doing. Helping the poor in spirit by feeding them the gospel message not only helps them in this life but saves their soul from eternal torment in eternity. The line between the two must be removed to see the truth of Scripture clearly and know our priorities as Christians, theologically speaking.

Devotionals

Self-deceived

Loring Schultz

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven” Matthew 7:21 NLT

Young woman looking at her fragmented reflection in a broken mirror

How often have you been deceived? How many times have you been taken advantage of through deception of one kind or another? Have you ever invested in a project, no matter how noble, that turned out to be a sham? There have been many fraudulent schemes in past years that continue on even more aggressive in our day. They even affect our financial future. The effects of being deceived through misrepresentation of investing for future financial gains to secure a better life for yourself and others are heartbreaking when it is realized the returns are not there.

It is one thing to be deceived by others, but it is quite another when you deceive yourself. You may actually deceive yourself into believing you know best by putting your trust into your abilities and the actions you take. Again, the effects are heartbreak in this life when they fail, but they are more than heartbreak in eternity when you deceive yourself.

Jesus is recorded as saying, concerning the Day of Judgment, “On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” (Mt.7:22-23 nlt) Apparently there were people in Jesus’s day who preached the name of Jesus and perform great deeds in Jesus’ name that Jesus will confirm that He never knew them. We can be sure there are those today who make the same claim. They also in return never knew the Lord Jesus as their Savoir, but deceived themselves into thinking they were heaven bound due to their performance here on earth.

Let us not deceive ourselves into applying this only to the so-called charlatans of our day whose preaching and antics distort the truth of the Gospel and the Word of God. This also includes the regular church attendee, the board member, Sunday school teacher, food bank organizer, choir director along with all who sing in the choir, the custodian, and all others within the church and outside the church who are deceiving themselves that good deeds will get you to heaven.

As Jesus explained to Nicodemus, the Jewish ruler, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (Jn.3:3 nlt) It is not by your works but being born again by the grace of God. Do not be ‘self-deceived.’

Devotionals

Maximum Effort  

Loring Schultz

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NASB

Maximum Effort with 2 Timothy 2:15

There are various things in life that require our maximum effort. Rearing children to adulthood needs more than casual supervision. Working your way through medical school is a vast undertaking that shapes your priorities to maximize your efforts where they need to be. Going back to the moon and safely returning takes maximum effort from every individual involved in every step of the entire project. Doing anything that is vital for our quality of life will take maximum effort to be achieved successfully. Anything less will fail.

In the Christian life one of the most important things that require maximum effort is to present ourselves approved to God. What is meant by, ‘approved to God’? For starters it means are we being faithful to God through obedience? Are we applying maximum effort to live a life unblemished by the world? Our deeds should not put us in a spotlight of embarrassment before others, especially those outside the faith. If we are applying maximum effort to live pure lives before others it will bring good results and that will bring God’s approval.

There is one other vital aspect in presenting ourselves approved to God and that is  handling the word of truth, the Bible, accurately. This is not just for pastors, Bible teachers, and seminary professors. Every Christian needs to know Scripture well enough to handle the truth correctly. The truth of the gospel is the most important message you can convey to others. In a world where this truth gets distorted every day, it is vital for true Christians to understand salvation and be able to explain it through Scripture. It will take maximum effort but we have the Holy Spirit to help us with that extra boast we need to get us there. With His help we can accurately handle the word of truth.

Devotionals

The Right Words            

Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 10:16-20 NLT – “Look, I am sending you out as sheep – Bible Gateway

“God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matthew 10:19-20 NLT

Photo by Soul Winners For Christ on Pexels.com

How many times have you been in a situation where you could not find the right words to say? How did you feel? Depending on the circumstances you may have felt embarrassed, not up to speed, or even frighten. You were counselling someone who needed help and your mind drew a blank or you were afraid of their reaction would be to what you were about to say. Whatever the case may be, Christians should not be afraid but encouraged for we have the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us through.

When Jesus sent His disciples out to proclaim that the kingdom of God was at hand He told them to beware. They were be aware of the coming resistance. First of all, they will be as sheep among wolves. They will be handed over to the authorities and beaten for their spoken words. Proclaiming the good news of Jesus would have them arrested and put on trial. But Jesus tells them to take advantage of this opportunity to speak to these rulers in the courts and all who are present about the gospel.

Today in 2026 Jesus is still sending out His disciples (us) to proclaim the gospel. All that early disciples were to beware of applies to us today. There is an increasing negativity of Christianity worldwide. We are beginning to see persecution in countries where Christianity and the gospel was freely heard and accepted. Several European countries and our friends to the north in Canada have laws on the books to suppress Christianity by claiming it is hate speech. And I am afraid it is soon coming to America.

We need not be afraid when that day comes but encouraged. God will give us the right words to say in proclaiming the Gospel and He will give us the right words when we are put on trial for speaking those right words of the gospel. “For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Mt.10:20 nlt)

Devotionals

To Whom Will You Go?

Loring Schultz

Read: John 6:60-69 NLT – Many Disciples Desert Jesus – Many of – Bible Gateway

“Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.’” John 6:68-69 NLT

Photo by Amy Faru00edas on Pexels.com

The New Testament book of John chapter 6 records the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. Most of those people followed Him back to Capernaum for what Jesus said of them, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs.” (Jn.6:26 nlt) The people were content to have their stomachs full. They could not look past their concern for their physical needs. Jesus told them not to be concerned about the food that perishes but for the food that leads to eternal life. (Jn.6:27)

  Jesus then explained that He was the bread of life coming down from heaven giving life to the world. Salvation is granted to all who eat His flesh and drink His blood. (Jesus is using a spiritual analogy here-Jn.6:53-59) It represents Christ’s physical death on the cross and His shed blood as necessary for eternal life. Those who accept Christ as savior receive (His flesh and blood) as payment for their sins and have everlasting life. This is hard for people today to grab hold of and understand and even more so in Jesus’ day as he spoke these words. And the Scriptures say many left Him after these words.

The story above is not the only one used in our day to refute Christianity. There are many which orators take out of context to explain away the truth of the gospel that Jesus is the only way to the Father. Sadly, many people are taken in and led amiss by these teachers, and yes pastors, with their false words. The disciples were asked by Jesus if they were going to follow the crowd away from Jesus and Peter spoke up and said, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” (Jn.6:68 nlt) Peter’s words are still true today, ‘to whom will you go?’