WELCOME
Communion Worship Service
Good morning First Baptist. We welcome you to worship this morning. Be sure to remember your brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the week as you pray for them, and as the Holy Spirit brings their faces to your mind. Be sure to also connect with them in the ways that are possible. And if you have any questions or would like to talk to someone, please don’t hesitate to contact the church through the church telephone and leave a message. (519-733-4144)
Songs
Call to Worship
How wonderful it is to be in a dwelling place for God! There is a place here for everyone. No one is turned away. The least and the lost; the homeless and hopeless are always welcome in God’s house.
Praise to God who invites here.
Songs
Prayer
CONFESSION:
Patient Lord, we are a culture that wants the quick and easy answers to all of life’s problems. We want to be able to open the Bible and place our fingers on the passage that will answer all our questions and heal all our hurts. It is difficult for us to deal with the knowledge that discipleship requires patience and perseverance. Jesus’ own disciples struggled with his teachings. It took a long time for them to understand fully what Jesus was saying and how they were to respond. We are no different. The words of Jesus take time for us to comprehend. Forgive us, Lord, when we are so impatient; when we just want to “get on with it,” and be where the action is. Help us to understand the commitment we make in discipleship, through the rocky times and the smooth seas alike. Push us in our ministry of help and compassion to do more than we ever thought we could do in helping others. Give to us that extra measure of faith and commitment that we may truly serve you by serving others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. AMEN.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
Even though you doubt and question, God’s love is poured on you, in you, and through you to others. Rest assured in God’s presence and love for you, that will never fail or abandon you. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are healed, restored, and forgiven. AMEN!
Set Free
Defending the Truth
Today's Message: Pastor Dave Page
Unity in the gospel preserves its truth.
Good morning, church!
I want to start with a question: What happens when a team, whether in sports, work, or any endeavour, loses its unity?
If players on a basketball team don’t trust each other, passing the ball breaks down. If teammates argue over who gets credit, their focus shifts from winning the game to winning the argument. Disunity is disastrous.
The same is true in the church. As followers of Christ, we’re called to work together as one body, united under one gospel. But what happens when that unity is threatened? What if false teachings or unnecessary divisions creep in? The results can be devastating, not just for the church but for the integrity of the gospel message itself.
In Galatians 2:1-10, Paul gives us a clear example of what it looks like to defend the gospel and preserve the truth. This wasn’t a passive effort. Paul took intentional, courageous steps to ensure that the early church stayed united in the truth of the gospel. His actions remind us that unity in the church must be grounded in gospel truth. Anything less leads to confusion, division, and a compromised witness to the world.
Paul’s Collaboration with Leaders (vv. 1-6)
Let’s dive deeper into the first half of today’s passage, Galatians 2:1-6. This section recounts a pivotal moment in Paul’s ministry, a moment where unity in the church and the truth of the gospel were on the line.
Read Galatians 2:1-6
Scripture Reading: Galatians 2:1-10
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6 But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.
Paul tells us that he went to Jerusalem “in response to a revelation” (v. 2). This wasn’t a decision Paul made on his own. It wasn’t a political move, nor was it a mere visit to maintain relationships. God had revealed to Paul the urgency of addressing the growing tension between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church.
The issue at hand was monumental. Should Gentile believers—those who came to faith in Christ without Jewish heritage—be required to follow Jewish customs, like circumcision, to be fully accepted into the church?
To us today, this might seem like an internal church debate, but its implications were massive. If the church demanded that Gentiles adhere to Jewish laws to be saved, it would fundamentally undermine the gospel message. It would suggest that faith in Jesus Christ alone was insufficient, that salvation required a combination of grace and human effort.
Paul recognized that this struck at the very heart of the gospel. The gospel is the good news that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works. Adding human requirements to God’s grace distorts the truth and turns the gospel into a message of bondage rather than freedom.
The Stakes Were High
To illustrate this truth, Paul brought Titus with him to Jerusalem. Titus was a Greek believer—a living, breathing example of how God was working among the Gentiles. His very presence challenged the idea that salvation required adherence to Jewish customs.
However, not everyone in the church celebrated this work of God. Paul warns of “false brothers” who had infiltrated the church, attempting to impose Jewish laws on Gentile believers. These individuals weren’t just expressing a different theological perspective; they were actively distorting the gospel by adding human traditions and requirements to God’s free gift of grace.
Now look what Paul does with this. He writes in verse 5, “We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.” This wasn’t about Paul’s pride or personal convictions—it was about safeguarding the purity of the gospel for future generations, including us today.
Imagine if Paul had given in, even slightly. It would have set a dangerous precedent, creating a two-tiered system of Christianity—one for Jewish believers and another for Gentile believers. But here’s what Paul knew, the gospel unites all people under the same promise: salvation through Christ alone.
Unity in Leadership
Paul didn’t act alone in this critical moment. He sought unity with the apostles—Peter, James, and John—those who were seen as pillars of the early church. Verse 2 tells us that Paul met with them privately to ensure they were aligned in their understanding of the gospel.
This meeting wasn’t about Paul seeking their approval. Paul’s calling and message had already been confirmed by God. Instead, this was about affirming the unity of the church’s leadership and showing that the gospel Paul preached to the Gentiles was the same gospel the apostles preached to the Jews.
This collaboration is a powerful example of how leaders in the church can work together to protect the truth of the gospel. Unity among leaders strengthens the church and ensures the integrity of its message. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” When leaders come together to align around the truth, the church is better equipped to face challenges and stay grounded in the Word.
This moment aligns closely with the Jerusalem Council recorded in Acts 15. When the issue of circumcision and the law arose, Peter stood up and declared, “We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are” (Acts 15:11). This was a defining moment for the early church. The apostles affirmed that salvation comes through grace alone, not by works or adherence to the law.
This decision was critical, not only for resolving a theological debate but for ensuring the unity and mission of the church. It sent a clear message to all believers, whether Jewish or Gentile: the gospel is for everyone, and it is received by faith, not earned through works.
Illustration: Unity with Clarity
John Calvin captured this balance beautifully when he said, “Unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, charity in all things.” This wisdom remains just as relevant today as it was in his time.
The essentials—such as the gospel, the divinity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and the authority of Scripture—must never be compromised. These core truths define our faith and serve as the foundation for the church. In a world that constantly challenges biblical truth, we must hold fast to these doctrines without wavering. Today, we see this tested in many ways: cultural relativism seeks to erode absolute truth, and the pressure to conform to secular ideologies tempts churches to dilute the gospel. Yet, we must remain steadfast, proclaiming Christ crucified, risen, and returning.
In non-essentials, we must allow for diversity, recognizing that God’s kingdom is vast and multifaceted. Differences in worship styles, political perspectives, and cultural expressions should not divide us. The church today faces tensions over issues such as worship preferences—traditional hymns versus contemporary songs—or how best to engage in social justice. While we may have strong convictions about these matters, they should not overshadow our unity in Christ. Just as the early church navigated differences between Jewish and Gentile believers, we, too, must embrace diversity in non-essential matters with humility and grace.
And in all things, charity—love must be the defining mark of our faith. Even when we disagree on ethical issues, political affiliations, or methods of ministry, we are called to engage with one another in love. Social media, for example, has become a battleground where believers publicly criticize each other over doctrinal or social issues, often lacking the grace that Christ commands. We must remember that our witness to the world is not just in what we stand for but in how we treat one another. Jesus said in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Paul’s collaboration with the apostles teaches us several important lessons:
- Seek God’s Guidance: Like Paul, we must be attentive to God’s direction in critical moments. His revelation guided Paul to take action for the sake of the gospel. Are we listening for God’s leading in our own lives and in our church?
- Prioritize Gospel Truth: Just as Paul refused to compromise on the gospel, we must stand firm in the truth. This requires knowing God’s Word and being able to discern when human traditions or preferences threaten to distort it.
- Value Unity Among Leaders: The unity of church leadership is essential for a healthy, thriving church. Leaders who collaborate, align, and sharpen one another set an example for the whole body of Christ. Are we praying for unity among our leaders and doing our part to support it?
- Celebrate Diversity in the Church: The gospel unites people from every background, culture, and tradition. Paul’s defense of Titus reminds us to celebrate the diversity of God’s people while staying grounded in the truth that unites us.
Paul’s Defence of Freedom in Christ (vv. 7-10)
In verses 7-10, we see the outcome of Paul’s meeting with the apostles. They recognized that Paul had been entrusted with the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the Jews. They extended “the right hand of fellowship” to Paul and Barnabas, affirming their unity in the mission.
Unity in Diversity
This moment in Scripture is a beautiful picture of unity in diversity. The apostles didn’t try to impose Jewish cultural practices on Gentile believers. Instead, they recognized that the same gospel was at work in both groups. This wasn’t about conforming to a single culture but about celebrating the way God’s grace transcends cultural boundaries.
We see this same spirit of unity in diversity reflected in the work of Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM) today. CBM partners with churches across multiple cultures, languages, and nations, working to strengthen the global church and meet pressing social needs. They don’t impose a single, Western model of faith or ministry but instead empower local churches and leaders to serve in ways that make sense in their unique cultural contexts.
For example, CBM’s partnerships in Bolivia, Lebanon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo focus on holistic mission—combining evangelism with tangible acts of justice, relief, and development. Rather than assuming that one-size-fits-all ministry will work, CBM recognizes that faith is lived out differently in various cultural settings. Whether it’s economic empowerment programs for women in India, peace and reconciliation efforts in Africa, or refugee support in the Middle East, CBM’s approach reflects the biblical principle that the gospel isn’t tied to one culture but speaks into every culture in a meaningful way.
Paul also highlights one specific request from the apostles: “That we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along” (Galatians 2:10). This reminds us that defending the gospel isn’t just about theological debates—it’s about living out the gospel through acts of love and service. CBM takes this to heart by engaging in poverty alleviation, food security programs, and education initiatives that demonstrate Christ’s love in action. They remind us that unity in diversity is not just about theology but about compassionate service.
As a church, we can learn from this example. Unity in Christ doesn’t mean uniformity—it means embracing diversity while standing firm in the gospel. It means lifting up the marginalized, walking alongside those in need, and working together despite differences for the sake of God’s kingdom. When we do this, we reflect the beauty of the early church—where different cultures, backgrounds, and traditions were united by the same life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ.
Think about a family dinner. Everyone has their unique preferences, but the shared meal brings them together. The gospel is like the meal that unites us. We might have different “side dishes” in terms of worship styles or traditions, but we all share the same “main course”—faith in Christ alone.
Conclusion
Church, we are called to be a people who defend the gospel with courage and preserve its truth with unity. Paul’s example in Galatians 2:1-10 reminds us that this is not optional—it is essential for the health of the church and the effectiveness of our mission.
But as we must also recognize the reality of the world around us. We are living in a time of deep division. Whether it’s in politics, social issues, or even within families, our society is becoming more fractured than ever before. The world encourages conflict, separation, and hostility, pushing people into opposing camps where the goal is no longer understanding but defeating the other side.
And if we’re not careful, that same spirit can infiltrate the church. We see it happening today. Churches divide over political differences. Denominations split over cultural issues. Christians turn against each other on social media, debating not just doctrine but personal convictions, preferences, and secondary matters that should never define our unity in Christ.
This is why Paul’s fight for both gospel truth and church unity was so critical. He understood that if the church lost its grip on the essentials of the gospel, it would lose its power to transform lives. But he also knew that if the church allowed unnecessary divisions to take root, its witness would be damaged, and its mission would be weakened.
So today, as we consider Paul’s example, we must ask ourselves:
Are you standing firm for the gospel in your life?
Are you committed to the unchanging truth of Scripture? Are you able to recognize when the world tries to redefine the gospel? Are you courageous enough to stand for Christ, even when it’s unpopular?
How are you contributing to the unity of the church?
Are you someone who builds up the body of Christ, or do you allow differences to create walls between you and others? Are you quick to listen, slow to anger, and eager to extend grace in conversations where you don’t agree?
Because the reality is, the world is watching us. They see how we treat one another. If we become just another example of division, tribalism, and hostility, then why would anyone believe that the gospel truly transforms lives?
But when we stand united in Christ—when we show the world that people of different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives can be one family in Jesus—we display something radically different. We become a living testimony to the power of the gospel.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with hearts humbled and grateful for the gift of Your gospel—the unchanging truth that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Lord, just as Paul stood firm for the purity of the gospel in Galatians 2:1-10, help us to be a people who boldly proclaim and defend Your truth, resisting any temptation to add to or take away from the good news of Jesus.
In a world that often confuses or distorts the gospel, give us wisdom and discernment to hold fast to what is true. Help us to stand firm, not in arrogance, but in deep reverence and love, knowing that the gospel is not just a doctrine to be believed but a life-changing reality to be lived.
Lord, You have called Your church to be a united body, made up of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Just as the early church embraced both Jewish and Gentile believers as one family in Christ, help us to be a church that celebrates unity in diversity. Break down any barriers of division among us. Where there is tension, bring reconciliation. Where there is misunderstanding, bring patience and grace. May our love for one another reflect the beauty of Your kingdom.
Father, we are reminded that the apostles urged Paul to remember the poor (Galatians 2:10), and he was eager to do so. Let us not only defend the gospel with our words but demonstrate it through our actions. Open our eyes to the needs around us—both in our communities and across the world. Stir our hearts toward compassion, generosity, and justice. May we be a church that stands for truth and lives out Your love in tangible ways, caring for the broken, the outcast, and the hurting.
Forgive us, Lord, when we allow pride, personal preference, or minor differences to create division in Your church. Remind us that our true unity is found in Christ alone, not in human traditions or worldly ideologies. Teach us to disagree with grace, listen with humility, and speak with love, so that in all things, we reflect the heart of Jesus.
Father, as we go forward, strengthen us to be a church that: stands firm in the essentials of the gospel with unwavering faith, embraces diversity in non-essentials with humility and joy, and shows love in all things so that the world may see Christ in us.
May we be a light in a dark and divided world, a people who proclaim Your truth boldly, love others deeply, and serve faithfully until the day You call us home.
We ask all this in the powerful name of Jesus, our Savior and our unity.
Amen.
Communion
And now, as we prepare to come to the Lord’s Table, we have the perfect opportunity to reflect on this unity. Communion is a visible, tangible reminder that we are one body in Christ. It reminds us that we do not come to the table alone—we come as a community, bound together by the same grace, the same salvation, and the same Savior.
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:17, “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.”
This meal unites us. It is not just an individual act of remembrance but a corporate declaration that, despite our differences, we are one in Christ.
So, as we come to the table today, before you take the bread and the cup today…I want to encourage you examine your hearts.
If there is division, pray right now for reconciliation.
If there is pride, pray right now for humility.
If there is a need for forgiveness, pray right now that you might extend it.
For at this table, we are reminded that Christ’s body was broken for all, and His blood was shed for all, that we might be one in Him.
Prayer for Communion
Heavenly Father,
As we come to Your table today, we are reminded of the unity we share in Christ. We thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus—His body broken and His blood shed—that we might be made one with You and one with each other.
Lord, as we partake of these elements, we recognize that we do so not just as individuals, but as a community of believers, united in the gospel. Help us to reflect on the price of our redemption and the deep love that binds us together.
We confess any divisions, pride, or unforgiveness in our hearts, and we ask for Your grace to restore us to one another. May this act of communion remind us of Your ultimate sacrifice and the unity we have in Christ, and may it strengthen us to stand firm in the essentials of the faith, celebrate our diversity, and love one another as You have loved us.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
On the night he was handed over,
Jesus had a meal with his friends.
He took a loaf of bread
and after giving thanks to God,
he broke it and gave it to his disciples.
He said, “Take, eat;
this is my body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.”
“Through the broken bread we participate in His body, given for you.”
Eat the Bread
After supper Jesus took the cup of wine;
and after giving thanks,
gave it to them and said,
“Drink this, all of you;
this is my blood of the new covenant
which is shed for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins.
Whenever you drink it, remember me.”
“Through the cup of blessing we participate in the new covenant Jesus gives.”
Drink the Cup
Song
Benediction
The gospel is a gift. That’s why Paul’s boast wasn’t in his achievements among the Galatians. His only ambition was for the Lord.
Paul’s only motivation was the glory of God’s gospel.
What’s ours?