Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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New Birth Through Christ
Bible Reading:  Galatians 6:11-17
"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." - Galatians 6:14

DEVOTION

  In the final verses of Galatians Paul exposes the true motives of false Christians(Judaizers). Paul begins by telling the Christians in Galatia that the reason these Jewish Christian agitators are telling them to be circumcised was to avoid persecution themselves from the Jews and maintain a good reputation by making converts adhere to the law. Their focus was on outward appearances and Paul emphasizes that true faith is not about outward religious acts but about inner transformation through Christ.
This brings Paul to his declaration : “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”. The cross in those days was a symbol of shame, suffering, and death. Yet for Paul, it became his only source of identity and glory because through Christ’s sacrifice, he was set free from sin, the law, and the world's expectations. Paul also says “For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but a new creation” (6:15). All that matters is the new creation. The new creation changes everything. New birth is how we are in the family of Christ receiving the blessings of God, not circumcision. In Christ we will have a new nature with changed desires, affections, and habits. The cross of Jesus has made us a new creation which is why we live completely transformed lives. Being dead to the world is life in Christ.
What does this mean for us today? In a world that celebrates status, achievements, and outward appearances, Paul reminds us that none of these things truly define us. Our worth is not found in what we do, how we look, or what others think of us. Our only source of confidence, identity, and salvation is in Christ alone.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Teach me to let go of worldly approval and to boast only in the cross of Christ. May I live as a new creation, transformed by Your grace, and may my life reflect the power of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thought for the day

Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation.2 Corin 5:17

Eapen Ninan
Mar Thoma Church of South Florida

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