One young lady grew up in a very strict home. Her parents forced her to go to church, to read her Bible, and to always tell the truth—all good things, but she felt boxed in and rebelled in her heart. After she graduated from school and moved away, she felt free—she could now do as she pleased. But years later, after a series of bad experiences, she began to realize that God still loved her even when she failed. This is a truth the Apostle Paul stressed when writing to believers living in Galatia. They turned to Christ based on their faith in Him, but false teachers came along and told them they needed to get circumcised and perform certain rituals to find favor with God. Paul rejects this teaching saying, “It is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, ‘It is through faith that a righteous person has life.’” Now, the apostle was not telling them they could do as they pleased. He went on to say in Galatians 5:16, “Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” So, Jesus Christ sets us free from the bondage to sin so we can choose to do what is right.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
