Destructive Zeal and Redemption with Josh Liem

Destructive Zeal and Redemption with Josh LiemGalatians 1:11-2:10This Sunday, we continue our Life in the Spirit series in Galatians 1:11–2:10, where the Apostle Paul tells us his own story — the embarrassing parts and all. We'll see how Paul's shameful chapter became the very credential of his ministry, and how your own story is where Jesus is being made visible.For reflection & discussion:When you were 18, what did you think your life was going to look like? How close did it get?The sermon walked through Paul's autobiography in five movements: his former life, the great reversal, Arabia, his visit with Peter, and his ministry. Share your story.  Does it bear any resemblances to Paul’s?  Were there any too-vulnerable details you left out? (you don’t need to share, just notice.)Galatians 2:10 says the one thing the Jerusalem apostles asked of Paul was "remember the poor." Why was this the litmus test for the gospel? The sermon described Arabia as "a place of assimilation and reflection" — where Paul went to unpack his life before God. Eugene Peterson wrote, "Arabia can be a couple of hours in a quiet room, or in worship each Sunday, or seizing times of solitude." Where is your Arabia? When did you last go there? What kept you away?The sermon asked the question: "What is the trap you can see, because you used to live in it?" Paul's persecution-past gave him eyes to recognize religious coercion when it crept into the Galatian church. What trap can you recognize because of your own story? Who in your life — or in our city — is currently caught in that trap, and what could you do this month to be present to them?The Jerusalem apostles asked Paul to "remember the poor." The sermon said: "A freedom that ignores or forgets or despises the poor is a bogus freedom." In our specific neighbourhood — South Vancouver — who are the poor and forgotten that this group could begin to remember together? Brainstorm specifically. What's one small step?