THE GOSPEL IN THE OLD TESTAMENT?

I've heard some say that they thought people in the Old Testament were saved by the Law but in the New Testament it is by faith. But the Apostle Paul corrects that error in the churches in Galatia who had been led to believe they needed to add circumcision to faith to be saved.  Paul points out in Galatians 3:6-11 that Abraham, who lived five centuries before the Law, was saved by faith. This is repeated in Romans 4 & 9 and James 2. In the verses that follow he reminds them that the covenant God gave Abraham (cf. Gen. 12) says all nations would be blessed through Abraham's seed (Christ). He goes on to say the "righteous man shall live by faith."  We can only do that because of Christ.

Then he tells us "cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree."  The tree is a reference to the cross where criminals died. Christ was cursed on a tree.  Who cursed Him? God did because Christ took our punishment while we were given His righteousness. We will look at this more this Sunday in the last half of Galatians 3. Join us at 10:30 or on Livestream.  

It was a blessing recently to have attended the regional Pastors and Wives Retreat at Cannon Beach. Dr. Greg Bookman spoke on the Life of Christ in a way that blessed us all. You can watch all the sessions at http://sukofamily.org/bnn/. 

Ladies of all ages begin a new study in the Attributes of God led by Nancy Suko on Thursday mornings at 9:30. 

School is on and things are happening at Discovery with Awana starting, the Ladies morning Bible Study studying back, SALT Groups starting and preparations underway for our Living Nativity. Let's get going and growing in serving our Lord. Our building expansion project start has been moved to spring to avoid the winter rain. See our calendar for more details.

TRAVELING LIGHT AND LONG

Last week George died. Pastor Cox was a key figure in our northwest churches. He was an encouragement to me in our early years. He moderated my ordination council and kept the questions coming at me under control. Thanks George 😊. We occasionally visited him in a care facility where he continued to preach the gospel almost until he died last week at 92. He, like the Apostle Paul, never stopped ministering and his work affected many people. George served in nine churches in the Pacific Northwest. He was direct in his approach. His kids said that when there was a nanosecond of silence on the phone he would say, “Okay---goodbye.”  That would be good for his headstone.  He left behind only a few small boxes of personal items. He traveled light and long for Christ. That’s a good way to be in this materialist age.

Jeanne Roberts also was taken to heaven this week. This lady was the faithful wife of Hal Roberts who died earlier. Hal parachuted in on D-Day and later fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Jeanne faithfully supported and prayed for him all 75 years of marriage. She died on their anniversary (8/22) at 95 years of age. They traveled light and long also. A service will be announced for November.

This week my beloved Nancy Ann caught up with me at 70. Happy Birthday, Honey. She travels light too and helps me by making sure our closets are not too full, I eat healthy, we both exercise together and praying for me constantly. God says that 70 is the average, He also says that by strength more may be granted (Psa. 90:10).  We hope to travel light and long too by His grace and for His glory.  You can see us doing some traveling here this week.

This Sunday we’ll be in Galatians 2 as we remember the Lord’s Table. SALT groups start near you the week of Sept. 17. Plan to be in one.

Pastor Mark

MY OTHER WIFE

For the next few months I am going to have a kind of "other wife." Read more and find out what why. 

Martin Luther was a Catholic monk who rediscovered the truth that salvation by faith alone in Christ alone. This sparked the Great Reformation in 1517 which we are celebrating this year.

Luther eventually left the church resulting in the Protestant Reformation. Catholic nuns also eventually left the church and were married to former priests. Luther married a former nun named Katie von Bora. They had a family and lived a happy life together. 

Martin Luther and his wife Katie von Bora

But, Luther had a second wife in the form of the New Testament book of the Galatians that was written by Paul to the churches of Galatia.  Luther said, “The Epistle to the Galatians is my own epistle. I have betrothed myself to it.  It is my Katie von Bora.”

Galatians was like a wife to him because he spent so much time in it. But it instructed him on the critical importance of a right understanding of the Gospel. He eventually wrote a commentary on it. Galatians was the key book of the Reformation because it warned of man's tendency to go back to a works plus faith salvation rather than God's simple plan of faith alone in Christ alone. 

Recently several well dressed young men with ties on walked up our lane. They asked if I had read the book of Mormon. I told them of the Gospel that Galatians reveals. Their gospel and the one in Galatians may have similarities but they are drastically different if you look closely.

The Great Reformation is past but every generation needs a reformation because it is so easy to go astray. The book of Galatians will help us stay on track.

Starting this Sunday I will begin a series on Galatians as Pastor Chris takes a break. I'll conclude before the actual 500th anniversary of the reformation (October 31, 1517). That means I need to spend a lot of time studying Galatians. It will be a kind of second wife, but, don't worry, it will not replace my beloved Nancy.  I'll be just feet away from her kitchen kisses. Join us Sunday for the introduction to Galatian and "Only One Gospel."  

Twice Alive,

Pastor Mark