Galatians #6: Parting Words - July 4, 2010

"Galatians #6: Parting Words"
Text: Galatians 6
This completes our six week series in the book of Galatians.  Pastor Jon takes a look at some of Paul's practical comments, and then considers what it means for Paul to say, "I bear on my body the marks of Jesus."  What might it mean for us to say that today?

Galatians #5: The Fruit of the Spirit - June 27, 2010

"Galatians #5: The Fruit of the Spirit"
Text: Galatians 5:13-25
Pastor Jon takes a look at this familiar passage from Galatians, exploring what it means to live according to the Spirit instead of according to the law.  Paul teaches that the Spirit at work within us will bear fruit in keeping with the Spirit.  We are free from the law because we are free to do good.  The Spirit changes our "want to" so that we naturally bear fruit.

Galatians #4: One of These Things - June 20, 2010

"Galatians #4: One of These Things"
Text: Galatians 3:26-4:7
Paul challenges our natural inclination to sort and categorize people based on race, economic status, or gender.  Indeed, the ground is level at the foot of the cross, and all people are welcome into the family of God as dearly loved children, co-heirs of the Kingdom of God.

Galatians #3: Hypocrisy and Integrity - June 13, 2010

"Galatians #3: Hypocrisy and Integrity"
Text: Galatians 2:11-21
This is the third of six sermons on the book of Galatians. Pastor Jon suggests that one of the biggest criticisms facing the church is that of hypocrisy--a charge that goes back to the earliest days of the church. The antidote is integrity, living the same way everywhere we go, even when nobody is looking. In this portion of our text, Paul tells how he confronted Peter because of his hypocrisy in regards to keeping the Old Testament Law.

Galatians #2: Anchored in Jesus - June 6, 2010

"Galatians #2: Anchored in Jesus"
Text: Galatians 1:10-24
How do you face criticism and false accusations? Paul faced his accusers confidently, offering them evidence of his good fruits, references from other believers, and the story of his calling. Ultimately, he could face down the false accusations because he knew who he was in Jesus.

Galatians #1: Christianity Plus - May 30, 2010

"Galatians #1: Christianity Plus"
Text: Galatians 1:1-12
Pastor Jon begins a 6 week series on the book of Galatians with an overview of the letter to the Gentile believers in Galatia. Paul challenges those who are teaching adherence to the law, and encourages the believers to place their faith in Christ alone. C. S. Lewis might refer to this as "Mere Christianity," and what the Judaizers were teaching as "Christianity Plus."