I wonder how many of you have ever served as a lifeguard at the beach or a swimming pool? Or perhaps some of you have served as ‘first responders’, trained to be among the first people to come to the aid of someone whose life is at risk. In both cases often seconds count and both your words and actions are vital if you will save the person from death.
Paul the apostle is nearing the end of the first of his many letters. This one, which we know as Galatians, Paul is writing to Gentile Christians in central Asia as confusion has come through the contrary teachings of some teachers who followed Paul after he left the towns he and Barnabas had visited. Word had come to Paul in Syrian Antioch that some of those who had believed Paul’s Gospel and trusted in Jesus for their salvation, were now doubting the truthfulness of Paul’s words and some were turning away from what they had believed.