The truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth
7:36 . Galatians 1 . 23/08/09
So what does the film 'a few good men' have to do with the first chapter of the book of Galatians. This film deals with a group of US Marine attorneys trying to uncover the real reason behind why a code red (this is when a soldier who fails to keep up to standard is "trained" (or rather bullied) by other members of his unit until he is up to it, the correct terminology is called hazing) was ordered on a particular soldier, who died because of his attack. Tom Cruise (in the scene we are using on tuesday night) wants the truth and pushes Jack Nicholson, the high ranking officer, until he eventually gives in and the truth is uncovered.
Galatians chapter 1, indeed the whole book is also directly linked to important truth finding (of a slightly different sort I might add, but truth fighting nevertheless). The truth Paul is concerned with uncovering is the truth regarding the Gospel. A gospel which Paul firmly believes is directly from God, the story of Jesus which brings freedom to all who trust in him.
The new Christians in Galatia where facing a dilemma. They were struggling to understand who was telling them the truth about God? Paul, who had introduced them to the Gospel of Christ, had said that faith in Jesus was the basis for their relationship with God. But he had no sooner left town than and a group within the new church started teaching that faith in Jesus had to be accompanied by circumcision in order for God to accept their worship.
Who was right? Who should the church believe?
7:36 . Galatians 1 . 23/08/09
So what does the film 'a few good men' have to do with the first chapter of the book of Galatians. This film deals with a group of US Marine attorneys trying to uncover the real reason behind why a code red (this is when a soldier who fails to keep up to standard is "trained" (or rather bullied) by other members of his unit until he is up to it, the correct terminology is called hazing) was ordered on a particular soldier, who died because of his attack. Tom Cruise (in the scene we are using on tuesday night) wants the truth and pushes Jack Nicholson, the high ranking officer, until he eventually gives in and the truth is uncovered.
Galatians chapter 1, indeed the whole book is also directly linked to important truth finding (of a slightly different sort I might add, but truth fighting nevertheless). The truth Paul is concerned with uncovering is the truth regarding the Gospel. A gospel which Paul firmly believes is directly from God, the story of Jesus which brings freedom to all who trust in him.
The new Christians in Galatia where facing a dilemma. They were struggling to understand who was telling them the truth about God? Paul, who had introduced them to the Gospel of Christ, had said that faith in Jesus was the basis for their relationship with God. But he had no sooner left town than and a group within the new church started teaching that faith in Jesus had to be accompanied by circumcision in order for God to accept their worship.
Who was right? Who should the church believe?
This Tuesday night (23rd) we will be taking the first chapter of Galatians apart trying to understand more about what this gospel Paul is talking about is, and what it should mean to us. Feel free to come along every other Tuesday evening (we meet every fortnight) at 7:36pm.
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