Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
What happens when we confuse cultural expectations with Christian values? What boundaries do we uphold in the name of Christ, even as we say that all are welcome? Paul’s words to the Galatians reveal that the ancient controversy of “works of the law” versus faith continues to challenge the Church today, especially as we seek to share the gospel with new audiences.
Some early Christians believed that faith required following the “works of the law”—practices like circumcision, food restrictions, and other traditional ethnic markers. In Galatians 1–2, Paul rejects this understanding of the gospel, testifying that “we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by the faith of Christ.” Paul achieved this radical departure from past practice by articulating a profound, new understanding of the gospel: “through the law,” he said, “I died to the law so that I might live to God.” But now, “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.”
The new religious paradigm Paul proposes is difficult. It is much simpler to follow a set of rules than it is to discern the best way forward according to ethical and moral principles. As a result, Christians over time created veritable “works of the law” out of cultural norms, taboo, and group gatekeeping, eventually mistaking these constructs for holiness. What are the modern “works of the law” that continue to draw boundaries among people and pass judgment, even as we invite people to sit at Christ’s table with us?
We invite you to share this hour of reflection, prayer, meditation, music, and fellowship with the Beyond the Walls global community on 📅 Sunday, February 1, 2026. You can participate via live video as usual or join us in person at: 💒 320 Richmond Street East, Suite 101, Toronto, ON M5A 1P9.
We will share communion 🍞🍇 with all those participating live from around the world 🌏
📖 Full worship bulletin: centreplace.ca/bulletin
🎵 All music performed by the Beyond the Walls Choir and @MichaelKarpowicz. Copyrighted music with permission by OneLicense A-739874
🌐 Beyond the Walls is an online worship service with live ministry from around the world. Our global congregation gathers every Sunday at 12:00 pm ET and 6:00 pm ET. We’re an inclusive, non-dogmatic, progressive Christian community that affirms all gender identities and expressions, embraces interfaith and skeptical perspectives, and rejects literal interpretations of scripture.
#churchonline #churchservice #worshipservice
What happens when we confuse cultural expectations with Christian values? What boundaries do we uphold in the name of Christ, even as we say that all are welcome? Paul’s words to the Galatians reveal that the ancient controversy of “works of the law” versus faith continues to challenge the Church today, especially as we seek to share the gospel with new audiences.
Some early Christians believed that faith required following the “works of the law”—practices like circumcision, food restrictions, and other traditional ethnic markers. In Galatians 1–2, Paul rejects this understanding of the gospel, testifying that “we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by the faith of Christ.” Paul achieved this radical departure from past practice by articulating a profound, new understanding of the gospel: “through the law,” he said, “I died to the law so that I might live to God.” But now, “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.”
The new religious paradigm Paul proposes is difficult. It is much simpler to follow a set of rules than it is to discern the best way forward according to ethical and moral principles. As a result, Christians over time created veritable “works of the law” out of cultural norms, taboo, and group gatekeeping, eventually mistaking these constructs for holiness. What are the modern “works of the law” that continue to draw boundaries among people and pass judgment, even as we invite people to sit at Christ’s table with us?
We invite you to share this hour of reflection, prayer, meditation, music, and fellowship with the Beyond the Walls global community on 📅 Sunday, February 1, 2026. You can participate via live video as usual or join us in person at: 💒 320 Richmond Street East, Suite 101, Toronto, ON M5A 1P9.
We will share communion 🍞🍇 with all those participating live from around the world 🌏
📖 Full worship bulletin: centreplace.ca/bulletin
🎵 All music performed by the Beyond the Walls Choir and @MichaelKarpowicz. Copyrighted music with permission by OneLicense A-739874
🌐 Beyond the Walls is an online worship service with live ministry from around the world. Our global congregation gathers every Sunday at 12:00 pm ET and 6:00 pm ET. We’re an inclusive, non-dogmatic, progressive Christian community that affirms all gender identities and expressions, embraces interfaith and skeptical perspectives, and rejects literal interpretations of scripture.
#churchonline #churchservice #worshipservice
