John's message this morning is from the book of Galatians, chapter 5,

verses 1 through 12.

I invite you to turn in your Bibles or in the Pugh Bible in front of you and follow along

as I read the first 12 verses of Galatians chapter 5.

For freedom Christ has set us free.

Stand fast, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Now I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.

I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is bound to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law.

You have fallen away from grace.

For through the spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness.

For in Christ Jesus, either circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail,

but faith working through love.

You were running well.

Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leavens the whole bump. I have confidence in the

Lord that you will take no other view than mine and he who is troubling you will bear

his judgment whoever he is. But if I, brethren, still preach

circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case, the stumbling block of the cross has been

removed. I wish those who

unsettle you would mutilate themselves.

Well Paul is very angry. Those are strong, strong words.

I wish those who unsettle you would mutilate themselves, a strong language.

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