praying effectively: Do Not Accept Contrary Teachings (Gal.1:1-10)

(Galatians 1:1-10)  Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren who are with me,

To the churches of Galatia:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.

6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that Jesus came to die for our sins so we could be saved (1:3-4)

- that we can have grace and peace through salvation in Jesus (1:3-4)

- that we do not consider or accept any gospel contrary to what the Bible says (1:9)

- that a person who preaches a gospel contrary to what the Bible says is to be considered unrighteous (1:9)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example of obedience to Your Father's will, and for Your work on the cross.  May we fully embrace and experience Your grace and peace which only comes through Your salvation.  May we not take that for granted.  Guide us in wisdom to recognize when someone is twisting Your word, and protect us from entertaining a contrary gospel.  Help us to remain steadfast.  Keep guiding us back to Your word, giving us a desire to love and embrace Your will and trust in it fully.  Amen.