Continuing on with our Galatians study, we ask a Word of Wisdom from our Father in Christ's Name, Amen.

Gal 5:1   Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

 Don't let traditions based upon God's Law bring you back into chains. We don't have to set a certain day to worship Christ. We no longer need animal sacrifice for the atonement of sins. Christ became our Sacrifice for one and all time.
 It's no different today in many Church 'systems' of man, as it was here in Paul's day. One Church thinks it a sin to have musical instruments as part of service, another can't hold Church service without them. Don't allow the things of this world to drive a wedge between us as followers after Christ!

Gal 5:2   Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

   Circumcision now is of faith, not of the flesh. The command Abraham received for circumcision was established for the Covenant of The Promise. Now that our Promise (Christ) has come and offered all redemption through Him, if we are circumcised of the 'heart' through faith in Christ, we then will have fulfilled God's Covenant Promise of 'faith' in Him. GOD made sure His offer of Salvation is not tied to traditions and works of bondage.
 At the same time, this does not mean we have a license to commit sin. We are going to pay for each sin we do while in the flesh, in one way or another; but... now we have the Way of forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

Gal 5:3   For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4    Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

   Just as Paul explained in the first three Chapters of Galatians, to try and be justified by following The Law and not Christ, then one would have to be Perfect in doing 'all' of God's Law. No one can do that. If anyone says they have, they're telling lies. So in trying to obtain Salvation through following The Law instead of Christ, means automatic rejection. They would rather hold to doing a certain thing on this day, and that day, etc.; God forbid any emergencies come upon them. The children of the 'bondwoman' will be cast out; because they had the opportunity to become a child of the 'freewoman' through 'Grace', or unmerited favor, but refused.

Gal 5:5   For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6    For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

 Our hope is in Jesus Christ, our Savior. The strongest Power of that hope is love. Our Father loves us so much, that He sacrificed His Only Begotten Son for us. How can so many people just deny that Pure Love from our Father?  Our Father wants our love, and He only set one condition on Salvation, and that is to believe on His Savior, Yeshu'a Messiah Jesus Christ. Our 'hope of righteousness by faith' will only be full when Christ returns in our near future.

Gal 5:7   Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

   Paul's asking them to recall how they got turned away from Christ by these false brethren who were pushing circumcision of God's Law. How is it today folks? How many things in this flesh life can hinder us, away from Christ? We can't name them all, there's so many. "Then what do we do? How do we know what to follow?" Study God's Word, because He tells us what He expects from us, and how to get back on good terms with Him when we fall away.
 Has this Message by Paul here in Galatians been used to teach congregations that we no longer have need to study The Old Testament?  It would appear so. Do they disregard The Old Testament for fear of falling back into justification through The Law, and away from Christ? Again, it would appear so. My reference in the Lost Tribes study to Genesis 49:10 about one from the tribe of Judah will always sit on the throne of Israel, until Shiloh (Christ) comes, is a mindblower for many preachers today. Why? Because they disregard most of The Old Testament. They believe God's Word, but they can't figure that one out, because they have thrown away study in most of The Old Testament. I recommend study of 'all' of God's Word, not just The New Testament. That way, the false ones won't be able to hide from you. You'll recognize them right away when they come in twisting God's Word.

Gal 5:8   This persuasion cometh not of Him That calleth you.
9    A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

Paul's saying these false ideas are not from freedom in Christ. Then... he reminds them of the 'leaven' of false doctrines, which will poison the whole loaf. Remember what our Lord taught on this subject:

Matt 16:6   Then Jesus said unto them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."
7    And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have taken no bread."
8    Which when Jesus perceived, He said unto them, "O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
9    Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
10    Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

   So what does Christ mean by how many baskets were taken up after these miracles? The feeding of the multitude with only a few loaves was the point wasn't it? There's more to His Message with this miracle, if you will receive it.
 The fragments which Christ's disciples took up after all were fed, and were full, represent doctrines that came from within the multitude, back... to the disciples (seven baskets of fragments with the 'seven loaves' event; Matt.15). It means that Satan's own will pump up the doctrines of Christ, adding to them doctrines and creeds (fragments) which do not belong; just as a little leaven (yeast) will make the whole loaf rise.

Matt 16:11   How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?"
12    Then understood they how that He bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

   This is the 'leaven' which Paul is referring to here in Galatians. False doctrines is what this leaven represents. So don't get caught off guard, as the wicked one loves to infiltrate your Church and bring it down to the ground if he can. So maybe you want some examples of this 'leaven' of false doctrine happening today? OK, let's see... ever heard of some Ministers performing same sex marriages? Anything wrong with that? You bet there is, as it denies the perfect institution of marriage which GOD set up in the beginning of this flesh age (see Gen.2). What about Church bingo parlors? That's the merchants of Tyrus right in the Church system friends. What did Christ say and do about such things as mercantilism in His House (Matt.21)?  Another, who is the head authority over your Church?  It better be Jesus Christ and no other, otherwise that Church is a Beth-Aven, which means a 'house of vanity'.
 So anything that gets in the way of understanding God's Word in the Church, is vanity and heathenish, and not of our Christ. How much of God's Word is taught in most Churches today? Not very much, and I'm talking about many Churches, not all of them. A Church can't do a bunch of abominations and still teach all of God's Word. It would soon convict them of their wrongs; the Body of members would soon leave, if they are true to Christ. So how's your Church? Do you leave knowing more of God's Word, or you just have a 'feel good' emotion that lasts till the end of the day? Now I'm not speaking about everyone. There are many who attend Church which are not part of these things, and if it wasn't for them, and their goodness and works for that Church, it would soon fall. Christ gave examples in Revelation Chapters 2 and 3 about abominations in five of His Churches, and not all members were guilty. But two particular Churches, of Smyrna and Philadelphia, He was well pleased with. What made those two different? They had the 'meat' of God's Word and thus knew how to recognize the 'leaven' Paul spoke about.
 If one is true to Christ, and worries about not filling up the pews in Church, there's a simple Way to accomplish it. Teach God's Word Chapter by Chapter and verse by verse, with understanding; feed the sheep, and they will come. GOD Himself will send them to you! It's as simple as that!

Gal 5:10   I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

   Paul well knew some 'crept in unawares' stirred up the pot among these Galatians. He had faith in their ability to follow Christ, they just needed a little reminding of just What That Faith is in our Father. And what a Day it will be when the Body of Christ no longer has to suffer these 'false ones' and their sneaking evils.

Gal 5:11   And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

   Paul was persecuted for teaching The Gospel of Christ, and this especially by many of his own brethren the Jews. If he went along with this circumcision 'leaven' some so-called believer was teaching to the Gentiles at Galatia, then Christ would not be an offense to them anymore, as Christ's death on the cross would be null and void. Do you think Paul could deny Christ's death on the cross? No way.
 This is a strong point, because it means if you really, really, know a Truth from God's Word, and Christ paying the price for us on the cross being a 'hinge point' of Salvation, then could you ever deny our Savior's death, to save your own hide from persecution, or even death? Just what price are you willing to pay in return, for what our Savior obtained for us?  How important is Christ in your list of values? What am I getting at?
 Those who teach GOD's Truth, and live for His Truth, will ever be persecuted during this flesh age. But God is with those who stay true to Him. Paul knew this, so he's basically saying, "Darn the torpedoes, full steam ahead." Can do!

Gal 5:12   I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

   Paul is going to let us know that he is a man with emotions, and can get angry at those who try to destroy Christ, especially among the innocent sheep. This word 'cut off' is 'apokopto' in the Greek and it means 'to amputate, to mutilate' (Strong's no.609). Without being harsh, it means just what it says in the Greek. If those false ones pushing the Old Law of circumcision love the practice so much, and think it'll save them, then they can go and just cut it all off, the 'whole thing', for that matter!

Gal 5:13   For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

   We now have 'liberty' through Jesus Christ. Now, this liberty is not in the sense of the 'watchwords' of the French Revolution; no, that meaning is used to incite overthrow of authority for political reasons. This 'liberty' in Christ is the REAL meaning of the word 'freedom'!  It means release from bondage and eternal damnation. It means Salvation!  Any other applied meaning of 'liberty' is false! Today's use of the word 'liberal' is a Kenite joke being played upon those who do not understand their Salvation and our Christ.
 Since Christ now offers us 'liberty', we are not to abuse our freedom. As any Great Gift from GOD requires our respect and righteous use, love will be our strongest helper in maintaining that True 'liberty'. Don't forget that at times, 'love' means disciplining those whom we care about also, much as Paul is doing here with the Galatians.

Gal 5:14   For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

   Paul's quoting from Lev.19:18. Help each other in need. Be servants to all. That's what God's Law is built upon. If you listen to the world, their ways will tear love right out of your heart. The majority get overwhelmed by the 'love of things' in the world. I want this, I want that... I'd like to have one of those, etc. If I can work more hours of overtime, I can buy 'dis or 'dat. Is their time for GOD reserved out of all that getting? First get understanding! And when true understanding from our Father comes, many 'things' you once wanted from the world, will appear silly. But many in the world will mess over people, on all levels, just to get their 'wants', which often times, they don't really need. And the poor and needy get crumbs.
 The movie and TV business is established to make you 'want' things. Most of it is designed to cause you to lose focus on our real purpose here in the flesh, to serve GOD. Love for our Father and for others will prevent the selfish flesh wants.

Gal 5:15   But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

   Without love, devouring each other is the default. Many times we need to give our values and wants close inspection, to discover if they measure up to Christ's values in His Word. It's too bad the majority of peoples don't properly study His Word, and seek GOD and His values, otherwise, we would live in a near perfect world wouldn't we? That will never happen in this flesh age. Nevertheless, we are to do our best to follow Christ, though we will suffer through Satan's deceptions which affect the majority.

Gal 5:16-17   This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17    For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

   To 'Walk in the Spirit' is to listen to Christ and His Word as guided by The Holy Spirit. One must first accept Christ to do this, and then understand His Word in 'newness'. It means to stop listening to every little urge of the flesh and seek our Savior with understanding. Transfer your interests away from flesh things (not completely; we still live in the flesh and have a job to do), and onto our Father and His Plan, seeking to serve Him through Christ. If you do that, in sincerity, then He will begin to 'renew' your mind in Him, and control over the flesh will get easier. These are not idle words I'm saying; many who once followed the world, but are now in Christ, can show outward proof of His Spirit by their fruits.

Gal 5:18   But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

   God's Law is Perfect, and our flesh cannot be perfect in It. But the inner spiritual part of us, as led by GOD's Spirit, when we stay with Him, can be 'mature' to God's Law. But our flesh is yet under God's Law, and our flesh will be punished when we sin. Paul's going to make it clear for us:

Gal 5:19   Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20    Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21    Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

   Notice verse 21 says those which do these such things 'shall not inherit the kingdom of God'. Can one who is guilty of such things turn away, change, and come to Christ, asking forgiveness and be saved? Isaiah 5:18 talks about those who love to sin, even pulling their sins around with a 'rope', kind of show and tell, hoping to teach others how to sin also. Those don't seek Christ, don't care if they sin or not, murder, etc., so what do you think? Our Father told us how to handle those which do great abominations, such as murder, and as I said before, that's where the death penalty came from, i.e. God's Law. Thus, God's Spirit is not behind any of the above 'works of the flesh'.

Gal 5:22   But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23    Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

   These are all 'fruit' of God's Spirit. None of these 'fruits' of God's Spirit are against His Law. So then, if we Walk in Christ, and not of the flesh, our works and fruit is not bound by God's Law. That's what Paul means by not being 'under the law'. So there is a 'condition' to be met. Those who teach that all of God's Law was fulfilled upon the cross, do so in error. If one goes out and steals something they'll soon find out just how The Law still applies.

Gal 5:24   And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25    If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26    Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

   To be in Christ is to overcome the flesh; it no longer controls our life, not being held in bondage by various vanities of the flesh. We may slip up at times, but our 'true heart' is towards Christ, and repentance is necessary to stay in His Grace.
 The other Message Paul is teaching about is vain glory. It's easy to look at the 'vain glory' of the world's ambitions for power, and try to apply those things to positions within Christ's Body. Each person in Christ has the 'gifts' which God furnishes to work His Plan. We are all equals in Christ as heirs, but some are given more by God. Thus they also have a greater responsibility as God's servants. We are not to envy each other's gifts from our Father, but help each other in His Work. It's very easy for the flesh to get puffed up when others commend one's good work in Christ. Pedestals and glory seeking in God's Work is vanity. If we use a 'gift' from our Father to serve, always bear in mind that responsibility we have in Him and to others for service. And be mindful of just how easily He can bring us down for glory seeking if needs be.

   Paul is going to conclude this Message about those 'false brethren' who would cause bondage, and to those Galatians who would 'allow' themselves to be taken in bondage. This teaching by Paul still stands as a warning for Christians today. But not a warning for fear, but in the love of Christ, as a 'new creature' in Christ, with 'liberty'.
 In Luke 18 our Savior gave a parable about an unjust judge, who feared not God, nor regarded man, who at first did not heed the widow's plea for mercy against her 'adversary'. The judge, after a while finally gave in and helped her; not for the 'sake of justice', but because the widow would keep troubling him if he didn't act. Christ then said:

Luke 18:6   And the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7    And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?
8    I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?"
9    And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

   God's elect are represented by the 'widow' in this parable, but the unjust judge is symbol for one entrusted with the responsibility and authority over others upon earth, much as Pilate was given authority, not of Rome, but by God's will. The self-righteous judge is also a symbol for false teachers who spread 'leaven', or false doctrine. Exod.9 gives an excellent example of how God sets up those on the earth over us, as Pharaoh's heart was 'hardened' against the children of Israel, all in order to show how God is The Ultimate Power and Authority, even among those who think not to serve Him, but themselves instead.
 So how does this tie in with Paul's Message? Those who were pushing circumcision on the Gentiles at Galatia saw themselves in what light? They obviously were setting themselves up as an authority over God by allowing their flesh, which is Satan's kingdom, distort Christ's Doctrine. How is it today in many Church 'systems' of man?  Paul knew the deceptions were to come among Christ's Body, and in my opinion this is why he taught so strongly here in Galatians concerning 'bondage'. It wasn't anger at Peter setting himself apart, no; Paul knew the Old Testament Message God gave through His prophets about these 'crept in unawares' of his time, yet future, and even now.
 That same Message of deception, as taught from the Old Testament prophets, is here in The New Testament also (see also 1 Tim.4; 2 Tim.3; 2 Peter 2:1; Acts 20:29-31; 2 Cor.11; Titus 1:10-14). And this is also why I refer to the deceptions of today in these Letters; because 'spiritual harlotry' with the things of the world is a MAJOR Message from GOD's Word to His People. Most 'baby' Christians, whom I love with all my heart, would surely tremble if they really knew just how deep the evil is in today's world, and the places where it is entrenched in our society. Those deceived of Christ's are the result of being taught by those who refuse Christ's command to Peter, to 'feed My sheep' (John 21). Christ meant that if you love Him, you'll properly teach His sheep, The Body of Christ, regardless of whether His Word is popular or not, or accepted.
 We now conclude with this last Book of Galatians, and we ask a Word of Wisdom in Christ Yeshuw'ah Messiah's Name, Amen.

Gal 6:1   Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

   If someone offended you, and they were obviously wrong and they know it, but they come to you in sorrow, and humbleness, trying to make amends, who wouldn't or couldn't forgive them, and love them as a fellow-heir in Christ? We are to 'restore' that one, uplift them, letting them know that, hey... we are sinners too, and it could have just as easily happened to us. But those who offend, without remorse, uncaring, what then? Well, you don't have to put up with their haughty behavior, but one can still forgive, in hopes that they will change. Otherwise, you're in for a roller-coaster ride with hard emotional feelings against that one.
 The word 'fault' here is 'paraptoma' in the Greek meaning 'a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e. (unintentional) error or (willful) transgression' (Strong's no.3900). There is a dividing line on the type of 'sin', such as murder and what not, but that involves punishment our Father commanded us to carry out, yet we can still forgive their ignorance of following evil, even though punishment must be carried out. So Paul's not talking about those really serious 'sins', but little errors we all are guilty of at one time or another.

Gal 6:2   Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

   This word 'burdens' is the Greek 'baros', meaning 'a load, weight' (Strong's no.922). So again, Paul's talking about little 'slip ups' our flesh makes us fall into.
 It can be assured, that if we go on a rampage against others who occasionally do little slip-ups, we are setting ourselves up for God's hand in punishment later. Isn't it embarrassing after rebuking someone for a sin that we find ourselves committing later? What? Never happened to you, you say? Can't make me believe it.
 The flesh world wants us to think forgiving others is a sign of weakness. It is...a sign of Strength, from Christ's Spirit dwelling in us! One could even say, when we forgive others for little slips, we make room for our slip-ups to come, for it's just a matter of time before it'll happen. How do we know when we are at 'fault', or others for that matter? Study God's Word, and you'll know, for 'sin is the transgression of the law'.

Gal 6:3    For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

   When someone comes into Christ's Body, setting themselves up in vanity and trying to be something they're not, 'nip it in the bud', be quick and sure about it. Again, how do we know when we are in the right to rebuke? God's Word is The Measuring Stick, God's Plumb Line. As Christ said in Matt 5:30: "And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." Our Lord was referring to an evil one within the Body of Christ's members, not our flesh bodies.

Gal 6:4   But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5    For every man shall bear his own burden.

   This word 'burden' here is not the same as in Gal.6:2 which we just covered. This word here is 'phortion' in the Greek, meaning 'a task or service' (Strong's no.5413). The English word 'burden' used here between 2 verses is why it's important for English speaking Christians to use a Strong's Concordance with Bible study.
 Paul's saying do your 'own' work while here in the flesh world. A sense of value and accomplishment always comes with doing your own work, instead of letting someone else do for you all the time. For God's teachers of His Word, this means do your 'own' work also. How many leaders in Christ's Church today allow the 'higher critic' to determine what The Word says for them? Quite a few, quite a few. How many Christians just 'believe' what they are taught by their Church leaders, without checking them out? If your ear is starting' to itch because of that question, then you know it's time to get into our Father's Word more, for yourself. Don't believe on man, believe on Christ Jesus, for He is The Word of God (John 1).
 Paul also refers to making sure your work fits 'The Plumb Line' of Christ. That's how we 'prove' our own work. How do we know? The Holy Spirit as Guide in our Father's Word, and striving to follow It is how we prove  our works. One who refuses Christ and thus has no blessing of His Spirit, uses what as a 'guide' for works? They use Satan's realm and spirit.

Gal 6:6   Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

   This word 'communicate' is 'koinoneo' in the Greek meaning 'to share with others' (Strong's no.2841). Share The Gospel if you've been 'taught'. Don't just sit on It, expecting others to do your work for you. Appreciate what you've learned, and pray for those who help teach you.

Gal 6:7   Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8    For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

   As Paul was saying in the previous verse about doing your 'own' work, if you don't do anything for our Lord, having no 'works', what will you receive as reward?  "Well, I was just told all I've got to do is believe on Christ to be saved?", some might say. Revelation 14:13 says our 'works' follow us to Heaven. What about someone who just believes on Christ, and then goes about their daily 'rat-killin', thinking they are justified? The second Chapter of the Book of James covers how our 'faith' in Christ is nothing without 'works' to go along with that faith. Anyone can just 'say' they believe and not mean it. To be in Christ is to have proof.
 One who sticks to 'works' of the flesh will have no reward, for the coming Kingdom of Christ on earth will not be a flesh Kingdom, but one of Spirit. Christ warned us about building treasures up of the flesh, and not of His Spirit. And where your 'treasure' is, so is your heart and mind also (Matt.6). Paul just gave us the works of the flesh verses the fruit of The Spirit back in Galatians 5:19-22. We all will be judged by those 'works' when Christ comes, whether they be of The Spirit, or of the 'flesh'.
 The warning from our Father about the fall of the Babylon system is really going out strongly to the world today. At the same time, the evil in the world is growing more also. The technology in the flesh is so fast paced now, in order to 'mask' the abominations really happening behind the scenes. Many good people can 'feel' or sense something 'big' is getting ready to happen upon this ancient earth, but they haven't prepared, not listening to our Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Many of those are really engulfed in the world's images, and high tech craze, turning away from Christ for the things that seem 'new' and modern.

Gal 6:9   And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10    As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

   Our 'work' in Christ is a natural offshoot of our 'faith' in Him. That's why Christ taught us that we shall know them by their fruits (Luke 6:44). How blessed those in Christ are, as part of The Family of Christ. How will it be when our Lord and Savior finally returns, and all the evil things are removed? That goodness to come through Him is our hope, but we are to try our best in doing those works of good fruit today. So what if we must suffer these times upon us today. Stay true to Christ, refuse the false messiah who comes before our Savior's return, and you will have waited for Him in 'due season', the correct season of His coming (see Matt.24; Mark 13, for the proper season of His return).

Gal 6:11   Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

   This remark by Paul is why many Biblical scholars believe that he had poor vision, and that is what the thorn in his flesh actually was, even though it was from Satan's messenger. The word 'thorn' there in 2 Cor.12:7 is 'skolops' in the Greek meaning 'withered at the front, i.e. a point or prickle (figuratively, a bodily annoyance or disability)' (Strong's no.4647). I tend to agree, for one of the reasons being... this verse here by Paul.

Gal 6:12   As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

   Paul's saying that these 'false brethren' were pushing circumcision on these Gentiles to make themselves appear as an authority over them. Then they would suffer less by their own Jewish brethren who refused Christ, unlike those who were strong in Christ, like Paul. It was an attempt to blend the 'Jew's religion' with Christ, trying to make Christ fit 'their' order, instead of them holding to Christ's Perfect Order.
 Is this kind of 'blending' going on in Christ's Church today?  For many, not all, but for many Churches, a major blending of the flesh doctrines are being welded in, even doctrines which the non-believing Jews of Paul's day were against.

Gal 6:13   For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

These Jews couldn't keep God's Law before Christ either, as the examples from The Word are plentiful. Self-righteousness and pride was their game on these Galatians.

Gal 6:14   But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

   One who is truly in Christ, understanding the position and value of the flesh compared to Christ's Spirit, are very glad to know that the 'flesh' things are going to perish. "Well how can that be, I mean we're still in the flesh, and God made us flesh didn't He?" Yes, He did, and we each have a Mission in the flesh; but didn't you know that He made us 'spirit' first, before He made us flesh? How did your 'soul' get into this flesh? The 'flesh' did not enter the 'soul', or spiritual body. As our Father even told us with the man Adam in Genesis 2:7, He breathed into the nostrils of Adam, and man became a 'living soul', in the flesh. To be in Christ is to 'remember' that time 'of old' with our Father and His Son, not of flesh, but in Spirit.
 I'm surprised at how so many who have faith in Christ can admit their belief in a future Kingdom of Spirit through Christ, without the flesh, but they can't understand how that Kingdom of Spirit, did at one time exist, before this flesh age (see my Genesis Letters). This is how Paul can say that this world of flesh is crucified to him, and he unto the world. The good things of this earth, setup by our Father in the beginning, will remain (2 Peter 3, and look up 'elements' in the Greek).

Gal 6:15   For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

   To be in Christ, with understanding of His future Kingdom upon this earth, and the type of Kingdom It will be, is to be a 'new creature'. The things of this old flesh world will just begin to lose our interest as we focus on this future Kingdom in Christ. Then all those fancy things of the world become; "Oh yeah, that's a really nice sports car, good workmanship and skillfully done, but... uh, I don't really need it." Fads of the day just go out the window. Then it becomes so much easier to appreciate the really good things our Father has given us in this life, things not built by man's hands. And we become more focused upon the needs of others who are in a much worse state than us.

Gal 6:16   And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17    From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
18    Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

   Those who love our Father and His Son, who have a close walk with Him, are the True Israel of God. And that means all peoples, regardless of nationality or race, if... we walk in Christ.
 Paul is talking about the 'marks' (stigma) he received from men as punishment for staying true to Christ, preaching His Word, and not being a 'man pleaser'.  He gave us a clue as to his personal sufferings for Christ in 2 Cor.11:23-29. He was weary from his work in Christ, but he never gave up, regardless of the punishment. What an example he set for us today, and especially in these times, yet, Christ Jesus gave a better Example, being crucified on the cross for us.

   We are very close to Christ's return friends. His Kingdom everlasting is just around the corner. But a false 'one-world kingdom' upon this earth must first try and imitate Christ's True Kingdom. That false kingdom of the 'New World Order' is in the final stages today. Many may be afraid to refuse the false first kingdom to be setup, wanting to believe on the future false king messiah, just in case people like myself might be wrong from The Word. Without doubt, a statement like 'Satan is going to claim he is Jesus', is scary to them; why?  Because they are listening to false leaders of men, and not our Christ The Word of God. Those reading this now who can't tell, get into our Father's Word for yourself. Believe on Christ, not man.

The Christian Counter