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Galatians: Rescued & Recruited - Week 3
Living in Freedom: Finding Balance in Faith
Are you the type of person who tends to lean towards extremes? Do you find yourself diving headfirst into whatever you believe in, whether it's assertiveness, exercise, or saving money? While passion and dedication are admirable qualities, when taken to the extreme, they can often lead to unhealthy outcomes.
Avoiding Extremes in Theology
The same principle applies to theology. Over the years, I've come to realize that extremes in theological beliefs are rarely beneficial. From the notion of total free will to the idea of determinism, each extreme presents an incomplete picture of God's sovereignty and human responsibility. Similarly, within Christianity, there are extremes like Cessationalism, which denies the continuation of spiritual gifts, and Charismania, which places undue emphasis on miraculous signs and wonders.
The Dangers of Libertinism and Legalism
Two extremes that are particularly prevalent in Christian circles are Libertinism and Legalism. Libertinism suggests that grace gives us a license to indulge in whatever we desire, under the guise of freedom. However, this mindset often leads to bondage, addiction, and selfishness, as it disregards the transformative power of God's grace.
On the other hand, Legalism imposes a rigid set of rules and regulations, with the belief that strict adherence to these laws will earn favor with God. Yet, this legalistic mindset only serves to create further bondage, as it fosters a mentality of constant striving and fear of failure.
Embracing Grace Over Legalism
God's way, however, is one of grace. Grace acknowledges our shortcomings and failures but invites us to come to God with honesty and humility. It recognizes that we cannot earn God's love through our own efforts but instead invites us to receive His unmerited favor.
Scripture underscores this truth in Romans 5:8, it says But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Moreover, passages like Deuteronomy 4:2 and Galatians 3:19 highlight the dangers of adding to or subtracting from God's commands, emphasizing the importance of staying true to His Word.
The Purpose of the Law
While the law serves as a mirror, revealing our sinfulness and need for a Savior, it was never intended to be a permanent solution. Instead, it points us towards Christ, who fulfilled the requirements of the law on our behalf. As Galatians 3:24-25 explains, the law served as our guardian until the coming of Christ, but now that faith has come, we are no longer bound by its requirements.
Living in the Freedom of Grace
Guilt, shame, and condemnation have no place in the life of a believer who has been set free by Christ's sacrifice. Hebrews 8:12 assures us of God's forgiveness and His decision to remember our sins no more. Therefore, we are called to live in the joy and freedom that comes from knowing we are loved and forgiven.
Embracing Confidence in God's Grace
Confidence in God's grace brings a level of joy and assurance that transcends circumstances. Just as the stone was rolled away from the tomb to reveal the risen Christ, so too are we invited to live in the confidence that comes from knowing our Savior c

Galatians: Rescued & Recruited - Week 2
 
New, Life, Gillette, Church, Bible, Mike, Wilson, Wyoming, Grace, Salvation, GalatiansDespite the trials and tribulations many of us face, it's crucial to remember that joy is a choice. While it's okay to grieve and struggle, we mustn't allow ourselves to remain stuck in negativity. Instead, we must actively choose joy, celebrating the good things that God is doing in our lives.
The Gospel: Good News Indeed
Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭17-20‬
17 But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! 18 Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. 19 For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. 20 My old self has been crucified with Christ.[a] It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
The Christian message is often referred to as the gospel, which simply means "good news." Unlike other religions that preach a message of works-based salvation, Christianity offers a radically different perspective. In Christ, we find freedom from the burden of trying to earn our way to Heaven. Instead, salvation is a gift bestowed upon us by a gracious and loving God.
Living by Faith, Not by Works
In the past, many of us may have fallen into the trap of trying to earn God's favor through adherence to religious laws and regulations. However, as the Apostle Paul eloquently explains in Galatians, our righteousness does not come from our own efforts to obey the law. Rather, it comes from placing our faith in Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life on our behalf.
Understanding the Role of Faith
Faith is more than just acknowledging the existence of God; it's about trusting in Him for our salvation. Just as believing a doctor's diagnosis of cancer is only the first step towards healing, so too is believing in Jesus Christ the initial step towards salvation. It's not our belief that saves us, but rather God's grace working through our faith.
Contrasting Christianity with Other Belief Systems
Unlike the ladder-climbing mentality prevalent in many other religions, Christianity offers a unique message of grace and redemption. While other belief systems emphasize human effort and merit, Christianity proclaims that salvation is a free gift available to all who place their trust in Jesus Christ.
Rejecting Legalism and Embracing Grace
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭4

Galatians - Rescued & Recruited - Week 1
Joining the Team: Discovering Your Purpose
Welcome to the kickoff of our new teaching series, "Galatians: Rescued and Recruited." Today, we dive into the profound message of this ancient letter and explore what it means to be part of a team. But first, let's unpack the backstory.
Meet the Author: The Apostle Paul
The book of Galatians is a letter penned by none other than the Apostle Paul, a towering figure in the early Christian movement. Paul, formerly known as Saul, underwent a radical transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a passionate follower of Jesus. Despite not being one of the original 12 disciples, Paul received a special commission from Jesus himself, making him an apostle.
Acts 9:1-6Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.[a] So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.

3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Understanding the Context
The church in Galatia faced a pressing issue: the temptation to blend legalism with Christianity. Paul's letter serves as a corrective, reminding them that salvation isn't about adherence to laws but about faith in Christ. Like the Galatians, we're often tempted to add rules to our faith, but Paul's message remains relevant today: in Christ, we are all one team.
Rescued and Recruited
Becoming a Christian isn't just about being saved; it's about being recruited into a team with a purpose. While praying a salvation prayer marks the beginning of our journey, it's only the first step. We must also consider what we're saved from and what we're saved for. Just as an investor asks what we're saving for, God saves us from death, offers us new life, and calls us to a mission.
Galatians 3:28

Easter 2024
Discovering the Path to Eternal Life
Easter is more than just a holiday; it's the story of Jesus bridging the gap between Earth and Heaven. He walked among us, performed miracles, taught profound truths, faced crucifixion, conquered death, and ascended to Heaven. Today, I aim to address the most crucial question anyone can ask:
What is the Way to Heaven?
In a world that often preaches self-belief, the path to Heaven isn't found in ourselves. Belief in God is the key. Despite our efforts, our sinful nature renders us incapable of meeting Heaven's standards. Even a lifetime of perfection couldn't undo the sins we've already committed.
Understanding Sin and Redemption
Sin isn't just about committing egregious acts; it encompasses any deliberate deviation from God's plan, whether it's harming ourselves or others. Trying to justify ourselves as "good people" falls short because God sees through our façade. We can't deceive the ultimate Judge.
The Sacrifice of Jesus
The beauty of Christianity lies in Jesus taking our punishment upon himself. Just as someone can pay a speeding ticket fine on our behalf, Jesus bore the consequences of our sins on the cross. His sacrifice offers us redemption.
Illustrating Redemption
Imagine standing before Judge Judy, facing the consequences of your actions. Yet, just as she's about to pass judgment, she declares you free because someone else paid your fine. That's akin to what Jesus did for us on the cross.
Visualizing Redemption
Using a coffin as a metaphor, we illustrate the gravity of sin and the promise of salvation. Buried under layers of dirt, dead, and deprived of air, we're powerless to save ourselves. However, Jesus offers us new life and forgiveness through his death and resurrection.
Embracing Salvation
Romans 6:23
The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Salvation isn't earned through merit but received as a gift of grace. Our faith in God, not our deeds, secures our place in Heaven. We humbly accept this gift, acknowledging our inability to save ourselves.
Accepting the Gift of Eternal Life
By accepting our limitations and placing our trust in God, we ensure our eternal destiny. The empty cross symbolizes Jesus' victory over death and the assurance of our salvation. Saying "yes" to Jesus means embracing new life and eternal joy with him.
An Invitation to Transformation
As an invitation to embrace this truth, we offer a symbolic gesture. Fill out the card provided, acknowledging your need for God's grace. Then, approach one of the coffins in the room to signify the death of self-reliance. Receive the cross as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, and say "yes" to the transformation he offers.
Easter isn't just about commemorating Jesus' resurrection; it's about experiencing our own resurrection through faith in him. Take this opportunity to affirm your commitment to Christ and embark on a journey of eternal significance.
 
 

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Shut Your Pie Hole - Week 5
Serve Faithfully
We're reaching the final installment of our series, "Shut Your Pie Hole." Who's ready to move on from that phrase?
Throughout this series, we've been examining a pie chart to help us navigate our journey with Jesus. Each week, we've explored different aspects of our faith, from community to generosity, faith growth, and worship. Today, we delve into a crucial component of our walk with Christ: serving faithfully.
1 Peter 4:7-117 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.

10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Understanding the Call to Serve
Serving others may not always excite us, whether it's at church, home, work, or in the community. We often prefer being served rather than serving. But Jesus understands our reluctance. He knows our struggles, as we'll see in the conversation between Jesus and his disciples.
Learning from the Disciples' Request
The disciples, James and John, approach Jesus with a request for positions of honor in his kingdom. They desire seats of prestige and power, akin to calling "shotgun" in a car ride. However, Jesus challenges their perspective, highlighting the sacrificial nature of his impending journey.
Reframing Leadership Through Service
Jesus teaches a crucial lesson: true leadership in his kingdom involves servanthood. Instead of seeking positions of authority, we're called to lift others up. It's a paradigm shift from the world's view of power and status.
Embracing the Example of Jesus
Jesus exemplifies servanthood by giving his life as a ransom for many. He served us completely, and now calls us to live for him by serving others. It's a foundational aspect of the Christian life.
Practical Ways to Serve
Peter, an intimate follower of Jesus, offers practical guidance on serving others in his letter. He encourages us to be intentional in prayer, show deep love, and practice hospitality. These acts of service reflect God's love and character.
Practical Steps for Serving
Peter's teachings provide a framework for serving in various contexts, whether at church, home, or in the community. From prayer to hospitality to utilizing spiritual gifts, there are numerous opportunities to serve faithfully.
Serving with Joy and Purpose
Serving others isn't merely a task; it's a mission. When we serve with God's strength, our chores and responsibilities take on a deeper meaning. We become part of something eternal, contributing to God's

Shut Your Pie Hole - Week 4
Worship Enthusiastically
In our journey of spiritual growth, we encounter two types of habits: vices and virtues. Vices, such as isolation and anger, hinder our progress, while virtues, like generosity and study, propel us forward. Today, we delve into an action that can either be a vice or a virtue: worship.
Understanding Worship as a Habit
True worship transcends fleeting emotions; it perseveres even when circumstances are bleak. It's easy to praise when life is good, but authentic worship arises when faced with adversity. This habitual worship, practiced in both highs and lows, cultivates virtues within us.
Worship in the Midst of Pain
When life throws us into pits of despair, our response determines our spiritual trajectory. Like my wife, who worshipped amidst her grief, we must learn to lift our eyes to God even in the darkest moments. Pain is inevitable, but will we choose to worship God amidst it?
Offering a Sacrifice of Praise
Praising God during trials requires sacrifice. It's easy to praise in abundance, but true worship emerges when we offer praise amidst scarcity and suffering.
Drawing Inspiration from Acts 16:16-31
16 One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.”
18 This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her.
19 Her masters’ hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. 20 “The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted to the city officials. 21 “They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice.”
22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.
25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fel