“If righteousness could ever be attained by works alone, Christ died needlessly, and the very character of God is called into question. However, we are redeemed from the curse of the law by Christ, who became a curse for us by dying on the cross.”
Core Christian teachings such as these are hallmarks of the book of Galatians, and are also the focal points of the 2011 January Bible Study. The LifeWay study, entitled “Truth About Grace: Studies in Galatians,” will be used in Southern Baptist churches all over the world to help give congregation members a better understanding of the pivotal New Testament epistle.
In an effort to help pastors and teachers communicate those truths effectively, Lexington and Columbia Metro Baptist associations recently enlisted the aid of renowned preacher and teacher, Ken Hemphill. More than 70 pastors and associate pastors gathered Nov. 4 to hear Hemphill’s verse-by-verse exposition of the Galatians text.
The morning-long workshop not only sought to answer any questions that may have arisen concerning the interpretation of the book, but also provided pastors with insight into several different teaching points that could be brought out during the study.
“If you are sons and heirs – redeemed – free men and women in Christ, why would you ever want to go back into slavery? This is the Galatian question, and it is a question that speaks as loudly to us today as it did in Paul’s time,” Hemphill said.
Lexington Association director of missions Johnny Rumbough said having a teacher of Hemphill’s caliber to assist area pastors with their preparation for the January Bible Study was a great blessing to those who attended.
The presentation is available on CD or DVD through the office of Lexington Association, said Rumbough.
– Adams is pastor of Green Hill Baptist Church, West Columbia.