Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Christian church began as an assembly of Jews who were drawn to Christ. Unfortunately, some believed that non-Jews were outside the circle of God's love. There were many of these early Christians who believed it was necessary for a person coming into the church to first become a Jew and be circumcised. But Saint Paul, who considered himself an apostle to the Gentiles, ridiculed this idea. He had received messages from on high, informing him that there were no racial or religious barriers obstructing one's membership in the body of Christ. Christ came to save the world.