The Gospel and Adoption into God’s Family: Galatians 4:1-7Paul introduces the ideas of adoption and inheritance based on the experience of the Gentile areas he is preaching to. Adopted children could inherit all that belonged to the family. All those blessings are ours in Christ Jesus. We do not need to look back.

Paul addresses Christian community living which is of secondary importance but could cause division. he calls those who have need to have more rules as weak in terms of faith. He advises respect and understanding and a concern for one’s own behaviour rather than criticism of others.

Sin has not only affected human beings, Paul explains that the whole of creation is also struggling because of sin. Although we are suffering now, we have a wondeful hope for the future. The Holy Spirit strengthens us now and helps us to pray.

Paul uses sexual morality as an example of idolatry - putting something in the place of God. He teaches about wrong thinking and introduces conscience as a signpost to God.

Paul is alone in Athens. He engages with the Jews in the synagogue and the Epicureans and Stoics in the marketplace. He introduces them to new ideas about God, the afterlife and Jesus.

Paul and Barnabas visit two different cities. Iconium has a synagogue and Paul uses the Old Testament to introduce Jesus. Lystra does not have a synagogue but is under the cultural influence of the Roman and Greek gods which Paul compares to the true God who sent Jesus. There are mixed responses with persecution from some of the Jews.

Following the release of Peter and John, the church spend time in prayer. Their trust in God, their unity in the faith, and their generosity to fellow believers is evidenced. Barnabas, the 'son of encouragement' is introduced.

Jesus responds to two questions about divorce. He points to the creation of man and woman and does not uphold easy divorce. He sets a high standard of marriage for his disciples and supports singleness as an option.

On the journey between two difficult events for Jesus a storm arises and the disciples show fear. Jesus challenges them to show faith - before he's calmed the storm. The challenge still stands today.

Jesus returns to the importance of prayer and adds persistence to the foundation pattern, and forgiveness that have already been addressed.