8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.
12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
There are many elementary principles of the world that can lead us astray. There are many different teachings within the world today that can ensnare minds. But for Christian converts the most difficult task is remaining away from these various temptations. But there is also the difficult task of learning good theology verses these various teachings of the world.
St Paul talks about people being enslaved to these weak and worthless elementary principles of the world. Some of these principles are very powerful though. Think of the influence the "Theory of Evolution" has consumed upon our culture. You can also think of the influence that acceptance over tolerance has upon our culture. Even more profound is the elemental and horrible influence of universal-ism or all roads lead to heaven.
St Paul teaches that there are many things that can corrupt the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. St Paul is very perplexed about how easily they have fallen back into their old ways. But he still does not caste them out, but encourages them to return to the truth which he first gave to them. He encourages them to repent of their old ways and be certain that Jesus Christ can redeem his people and rescue them from their bondage to slavery.
Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven. God is the only creator of all things and he has not done so through millions of years of death and destruction. God loves all people, but he does not accept their actions even in the least. Jesus Christ has died for the forgiveness of all your sins. He has rescued you from slavery to sin and death. He is your strength against these various enemies.
St Paul talks about people being enslaved to these weak and worthless elementary principles of the world. Some of these principles are very powerful though. Think of the influence the "Theory of Evolution" has consumed upon our culture. You can also think of the influence that acceptance over tolerance has upon our culture. Even more profound is the elemental and horrible influence of universal-ism or all roads lead to heaven.
St Paul teaches that there are many things that can corrupt the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. St Paul is very perplexed about how easily they have fallen back into their old ways. But he still does not caste them out, but encourages them to return to the truth which he first gave to them. He encourages them to repent of their old ways and be certain that Jesus Christ can redeem his people and rescue them from their bondage to slavery.
Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven. God is the only creator of all things and he has not done so through millions of years of death and destruction. God loves all people, but he does not accept their actions even in the least. Jesus Christ has died for the forgiveness of all your sins. He has rescued you from slavery to sin and death. He is your strength against these various enemies.
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