On Sunday mornings, pardon me, prior to the prophecy update, we're going through Paul's

epistle to the churches in the area of Galatia, chapter by chapter, verse by verse.

And today we're going to begin a new chapter, and our text will be chapter 3, verses 1 through 5.

For those of you who read ahead to stay ahead, you know

we have a very gnarly passage of scripture here in front of us. So if you're able, I'll ask

you to stand. You can follow along as I read. If not, that's all right where you're seated.

I'll begin in verse 1. Pardon me. The Apostle Paul,

Pardon me. By the Holy Spirit is writing to these churches and says verse one,

You foolish Galatians.

How's that for openers?

Who has bewitched you?

Before your very eyes,

Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you.

Did you receive the spirit by the works of the law or by believing what you heard.

Are you, verse 3, so foolish?

After beginning by means of the spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?

Have you experienced so much in vain, if it really was in vain?

So again, I ask, does God give you his spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard.

Let's pray if you would join with me.

We'll ask God's blessing on our understanding.

Loving Heavenly Father, would you at this time, by the Holy Spirit, get our attention and keep our attention?

Please, Lord, don't allow any distraction to keep us from that which you have for us today.

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