Sermon Recap: Feb 2nd 2025

Galatians: No Other Gospel

Have you ever known anyone that seems to be two different people?
Depending on where they are? Or maybe the people that they are around?

We all know those kinds of people.
Critically, we would call them hypocrites.

My favorite people are those who are always the same.Their principles and standards do not change. How they treat others does not change. No matter the pressure to the contrary!

The true Gospel is what Jesus did on the cross…. revealed by the Scriptures / proven by the resurrection.

Paul letter to the church in Galatia
recounts his courageous defense of the TRUE Gospel. Even confronting those who lead the church who seem to be acting hypocritically.

7 On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel for the uncircumcised (Gentiles), just as Peter was for the circumcised (Jewish), 8 since the one (God) at work in Peter for an apostleship to the circumcised was also at work in me for the Gentiles. 9 When James, Cephas (Peter), and John—those recognized as pillars (of the Jerusalem church) —acknowledged the grace that had been given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to me and Barnabas, agreeing that we should go to the Gentiles (with their blessing) and they to the circumcised (Jewish). 10 They asked only (one thing) that we would remember the poor, which I had made every effort to do.
-Galatians 2

Leaders in Jerusalem Support Paul (v. 7-10)

James (the brother of Jesus),Cephas (aka Peter)and John…. accepted Paul and his ministry to the Gentiles. Knowing that Paul would not require the Gentiles to come under Law.

They only made one request…. Remember the poor

11 But when Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned(by his own actions) (he was wrong). 12 For he regularly ate with the Gentiles before certain men came from James (from Jerusalem). However, when they came, he withdrew (from the Gentile believers) and separated himself, because he feared those from the circumcision party. - Galatians 2

Yet, All Is Not Well → Hypocrisy is Present (v. 11-12)

Peter was previously in agreement with welcoming the Gentiles without bringing them under the Law of Moses

Yet, when Peter came to Antioch, he changed / refused to associate with Gentile Christians… once certain Jewish believers from Jerusalem came.

“It is perhaps curious that nobody seems to have recalled that Jesus ate ‘with publicans and sinners’, which can scarcely mean that he conformed to strict Jewish practice.” (Morris)

Sadly, others would follow Peter’s lead…
Highlighting one of the biggest dangers of hypocrisy.

“Their withdrawal from table-fellowship with Gentile believers was not prompted by any theological principle, but by craven fear of a small pressure group… He still believed the gospel, but he failed to practise it.” (Stott)

Satan knew that if he could make Peter take the wrong path, then many others would follow him

13 Then the rest of the Jews joined his hypocrisy (even though they know that Christ is the great unifier), so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were deviating from the truth of the gospel, I told Cephas (Peter) in front of everyone, “If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel (force) Gentiles to live like Jews (if they want to eat with you)?” - Galatians 2

The Core of The Issue (v. 13-14)

At the foundation, this wasn’t an issue of seating arrangements at the church potluck…. it wasn’t about table manners …. It wasn’t about being a good host

Paul saw the issue for what it was; it was about the truth of the gospel.

Paul boldly confronts Peter publicly.

15 We are Jews by birth and not “Gentile sinners,” 16 and yet because we know that a person is not justified (placed in right standing with God) by the works of the law but (only) by faith in Jesus Christ, even we ourselves (as jewish men) have believed in Christ Jesus. This was so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified (declared free from the penalty of sin). 17 But if we ourselves are also found to be “sinners” while seeking to be justified by Christ, is Christ then a promoter (servant) of sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I (or anyone else) rebuild (through word or actions) those things that I tore down (the belief that the law is essential for salvation), I show myself to be a lawbreaker. 19 For through the law I died to the law (and its demands on me), so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body (flesh), I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through (observing) the law, then Christ died for nothing (His suffering and death would have had no purpose at all). - Galatians 2

To Be Crucified With Christ (v. 15-21)

It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me:

Since we died with Christ on the cross, we have a different life. The old life is dead.
Now we are alive to Jesus Christ and Jesus is alive in us (but Christ lives in me)!!!!

The faith Paul lived by was not faith in himself or faith in the law,
or faith in what he could earn before God.

It was faith in Jesus Christ who loves us and gives Himself for us.

May we be just as willing to stand firm against error when we see it

Reference video

Love you all
See you Wednesday,
Pastor John

The Importance of Life: Reflections from Galatians

Posted by PastorJohn96

This Sunday, we continued our journey through the book of Galatians and recognized Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Below are the highlights:

Missionary/Church Planter of the week

One of twenty-nine church plants by the Gwinett Metro Baptist Network
Sep 17, 2023 → one year
The focus of their ministry is on the Korean community.
The congregation is led by Pastor Sung San Choi

Special Emphasis: Sanctity of Human Life

January 19, 2025 is National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. - Psalm 139:14

Churches around the country observe Sanctity of Human Life Sunday to celebrate God’s gift of life, commemorate the many lives lost to abortion, commit to protecting human life at every stage.

Important ***

We realize that there are those that have been victimized by society’s disregard for human life in the past. There may even be someone here today who has made the unfortunate decision to end life in the past. I want you to know, our goal is not to bring shame upon you. In fact, we grieve with you over how our society has embraced a culture of death. We grieve with you if you have lost someone to any practice that devalues human life. You have our love. You have our support as we continue to grow and encourage a culture of LIFE here

Ways that we create a culture of life at First Bethany

Connected with our local pregnancy resource center – Crossroads Women’s Center – Greenwood

Christians are called to stand for life and seek justice for the most vulnerable among us; one of the ways we can do that is by praying for life. Let us pray with hope, faith, and love, trusting in God’s sovereignty and reflecting his heart for our neighbors.

Father God, our heavenly Father,

We come to you today asking for LIFE to be considered sacred again in our world. We pray for those who need help and protection, as well as those who have decisions to be made…. For the precious lives of preborn children; that every child, regardless of their circumstances, would be recognized as made in God’s image, deserving of life and protection. Lord, please move hearts to defend and cherish these little ones, not viewing them as a burden, but delighting to give them the opportunity to live, thrive, and glorify you . For mothers facing unplanned pregnancies: Lord, please surround them with love, support, and the resources they need to choose life. Give them the courage, wisdom, and the strength to trust you in uncertain times. For Pregnancy Resource Centers like our ministry partners in Greenwood at the Crossroads Women’s Center. For those serving vulnerable women and their children. Lord, please give them wisdom, compassion, and steadfastness. For more workers, volunteers, and funds to meet the increasing needs in our communities. For vulnerable mothers to find a Christ honoring resource center before they find an abortion clinic and that their hearts would be softened to choose life based on what they learn. For families and couples considering Adoption or Foster Care as way to bless their families. That they would be strengthened and encouraged in their calling to provide loving homes for children in need. Lord, move more mothers/fathers hearts from abortion and toward the beautiful option of adoption, ensuring every child is given the chance to grow up in a nurturing and loving family. For the Church; That we would stand boldly and unwaveringly for life. That our actions would reflect our words as we support life affirming ministries, pregnancy centers, and foster care efforts. That churches continue to rise up as places of refuge, offering resources, counseling, and emotional support. That our churches would be places where every person—born and preborn—is valued and celebrated as a child of God. – Amen

Sermon: No Other Gospel, Galatians 1: 11-24

The Divine Source of Paul’s Gospel (v. 11-12)

11 For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. 12 For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation of Jesus Christ. - Galatians 1: 11-12

The Gospel that Paul preached was NOT according to man – Paul’s message was a revelation from God. He received the gospel in a dramatic, direct revelation when He encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul’s message was not a man’s attempt to reach up and understand God; but God’s effort to bow down and communicate with man.
Now more than ever, the world does not need the good advice/wisdom of man, it needs a revelation from God.

This is important – As we become good TELLERS and SENDERS of this glorious Gospel. Especially in arenas that are somewhat controversial (Sanctity of Human Life, for example). Many will accuse us of being puppets / Or just mimicking what we have heard other people say. It is important that we pray… and read and study God’s Word; So that when “our truth (Gospel)” is questioned, We can say as Paul did… “This is not from man, It is from God!”

Paul’s Message was not from Man (v. 13-24)

13 For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I intensely persecuted God’s church and tried to destroy it. 14 I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. 15 But when God, who from my mother’s womb set me apart and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me, so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days. 19 But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I declare in the sight of God: I am not lying in what I write to you. 21 Afterward, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 I remained personally unknown to the Judean churches that are in Christ. 23 They simply kept hearing, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me - Galatians 1: 13-24

Paul’s whole point in the second part of this chapter is important.
His gospel was true. His experience was valid, because it really came from God.
Only what comes from God can really save us and make a lasting difference in our lives.

Application

How does this apply to us?
Most of us probably did not walk in here today questioning the authenticity of Paul’s testimony or the Gospel that he preached. That was then… understandably. Most likely not now.
BUT…… I will repeat myself: As we become good TELLERS and SENDERS of this glorious Gospel, Especially in arenas that are somewhat controversial:
*Sanctity of Human Life
*Fidelity of the Word of God
*Our interaction with society / gov’t / politics
*Our conversations with those who believe differently
Many will accuse us of just mimicking what we have heard other people say. It is important that we pray… and read and study (both personally and corporately) God’s Word, So that when “our truth (Gospel)” is questioned; We can say as Paul did, “This is not from man. It is from God! Let me tell you again how amazing He is !!!!!!!”

Hope to see you all at church very soon,

Pastor John

Understanding ‘Mighty God’ in Isaiah’s Prophecy

Posted by PastorJohn96

6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 The dominion will be vast,
and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9

The title “Mighty God” is one of several names or titles given to the promised child in this prophetic passage from the Prophet Isaiah. The prophecy speaks of a child who will bring hope and deliverance to a people living in darkness. The titles assigned to this child emphasize his extraordinary character and divine mission.

The original Hebrew for “Mighty God” is El Gibbor:

El: A common word for God in Hebrew, used to describe the one true God of Israel.
Gibbor: Meaning “mighty,” “strong,” or “heroic.”

When paired, “El Gibbor” is understood as “God the Mighty One” or “God the Warrior,” emphasizing power, authority, and divinity.

The title “Mighty God” underscores His divine nature.The phrase aligns with the New Testament portrayal of Jesus as possessing divine authority and power over creation, sin, and death.

18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.  - Matthew 28

3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high - Hebrews 1

Even before Jesus was born, there are forces of evil that have tried to subvert, redirect, and outright stop humanity from discovering the amazing truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has never worked, and it never will.

According to the Bible Study plan called Child of God, there are three modern systems that currently in place trying, with no avail, to stop the proliferation of the Gospel:

1) Government

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder…” (Isaiah 9:6a ESV). When Isaiah wrote these words, Israel was governed by Ahaz, a wicked king. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Judea was ruled by Herod, another wicked king. Despite these broken leaders, Jesus established a new Kingdom for all who place their faith in Him. Today, no matter how dysfunctional the leaders in our lives may be, God’s sovereign plans will always prevail.

2) Culture

“…over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness…” (Isaiah 9:6b ESV). Looking closely at the cultural background of Isaiah and Jesus, it’s amazing to think their message was able to gain any ground. Generally, people were disinterested in God, but this didn’t stop Isaiah from writing boldly and Jesus from living faithfully. Even as our culture grows darker, we can faithfully share the Gospel, the only true message of hope!

3) Time

“…from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:6c ESV). Time was created by God, and He exists outside of it. The birth of our Savior was foretold seven centuries before it happened, and words in the Bible written thousands of years ago are still relevant to us today. Understanding this allows us to have deeper patience, recognizing that God is at work, even when it feels like He’s running late

Let’s Talk About It

Question #1:

What is one thing that stood out to you while reading God’s Word?

Question #2:

Which of the three systems (government, culture, and time) stood out the most to you?

How does it give you hope that these systems can’t hinder God’s plans?

Question #3:

What are some creative ways you can share the Gospel in your cultural context?

Join us Wednesday night at 6:30pm (online or in-person) as we discuss this in person.

God bless you all,

Pastor John

Sunday, January 12th Recap

Posted by PastorJohn96

I am really excited that today we began to dive into our new sermon series for 2025 on the book of Galatians. Here is a brief recap of the message:

Missionary Family of the Week

*Please remember to pray for the Kwak family in Paramus, NJ **Photo courtesy of the North American Mission Board

Prayer Request

Please continue to pray for those affected by the California wildfires

Sermon Recap

The book of Galatians is Paul’s Epistle (letter) to the church at Galatia → modern-day Turkey. Galatians addresses a critical issue facing early Christian communities: some people trying to blend the Gospel w/ the Mosaic Law in an attempt to distort the Gospel.

Paul’s Argument rings true today and always: the message of the gospel is what Jesus did on the cross, revealed by the Scriptures, proven by the resurrection.
Salvation is by Faith Alone: Justification (being declared righteous before God) comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the Law (the Law was a temporary guide fulfilled and superseded by Christ’s sacrifice)

If we preach Jesus + “anything” to be saved, we are preaching a false and evil distortion of the Gospel. In the church today, this often looks like legalism.

Paul’s Introduction Steers Us Clear from Legalism (v. 1-5)

1 Paul, an apostle—not from men or by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers who are with me: To the churches of Galatia. 3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. 5 To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. - Galatians 1

“He wanted to tell the Galatians straight out that atonement for sins and perfect righteousness are not to be sought anywhere but in Christ… So glorious is this redemption that it should ravish us with wonder.” (Calvin)

Legalism flies in the face of this truth. Legalism →belief that salvation is achieved through following rules and regulations; rather than through faith in Christ . Always man-made rules, Often personal preferences. When that personal preference is elevated to the level of biblical absolutes… for example: What translation of the Bible to read, what kind of songs to sing, How long your hair can be, what type of clothes to wear, etc.

Paul’s Amazement & Declaration (v. 6-9)

6 I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from him who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are troubling you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him! 9 As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him! - Galatians 1

“Heretics do not advertise their errors. Murderers, adulterers, thieves disguise themselves. So the devil masquerades all these devices and activities. He puts on white to make himself look like an angel of light.” (Martin Luther)

The other gospel was really a perversion or a distortion of the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
It used the names and ideas familiar to the Galatian Christians, but it slightly twisted the ideas to make their message all the more deceptive.

Paul’s Desire is to Please God (v. 10)

10 For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. - Galatians 1

Paul’s first obligation was to please God and not to please men.
He refused to shape his message just to please his audience.
There are those even today who do so …..It is part of fallen human nature that even those charged with the responsibility of proclaiming the gospel can fall into the trap of trying to be popular rather than faithful.

For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold - 2 Timothy 4:3

What does this all mean to us?

If we are to be Intentional “Tellers” and “Senders” of the Gospel in 2025, then this must be the Gospel that we tell, the true Gospel. To be effective and faithful in our role as witnesses of Christ must ensure that we communicate the authentic message of Scripture and not any distortion of it.
The message must be:
*Grounding in Scripture – Devoid of Personal Bias – The Whole Counsel of God – Presented with Humility/Dependence on the Holy Spirit – Communicated with Love and Grace

Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude for the gospel—
the good news of Your love, grace, and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Thank You for entrusting us with the privilege of sharing this life-changing message with the world.
Lord, we confess that we are often weak, distracted, or hesitant in fulfilling this calling.
Forgive us for the times we have distorted or withheld Your truth out of fear, pride, or misunderstanding.
Purify our hearts and align our words with Your Word so that we may proclaim the gospel faithfully and boldly.
Help us to be rooted in Scripture,
that we might know and share the truth in its fullness.
Teach us to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our words, soften hearts, and bring conviction to those who hear.
Let us not lean on our own understanding
but trust in Your power to work through us.
Father, give us courage to speak when the opportunity arises and wisdom to do so with gentleness and respect.
Let our lives reflect the gospel we proclaim, demonstrating the love, grace, and humility of Christ.
Guard us from hypocrisy,
and may the fruit of the Spirit be evident in all that we say and do.
We pray for those who hear the gospel….
Prepare their hearts to receive Your truth
Lord, as we share,
help us to be faithful stewards of Your message,
always pointing others to Jesus and never to ourselves.
May our words and actions glorify You and advance Your kingdom.
We commit to being faithful sharers of the gospel. Empower us, guide us, and use us for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen

To hear the full message from today, check out our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/FirstBethanyBaptist

God bless you all,

Pastor John

State of the Church: Reflecting and Inspiring for 2025

Posted by PastorJohn96

Tomorrow is a big day in churches all across the nation… It is the first Sunday of the new year. Time to reflect back upon last year and look forward to the days to come. I look forward to this every year.

State of the Church address?

You might be more familiar with the SOTU address. The annual speech delivered by the President of the United States to a joint session of Congress. The purpose of the State of the Union is to give an overview of the country’s current state, some highlights accomplishments over the past year, maybe set forth goals for the coming year, and to inspire/unite by outlining a vision for the future. In many ways, that is what we will strive to do tomorrow at our church as well.

The theme verse of this year’s State of the Church Address is found in Romans 10:14-15. It reflects our ongoing commitment to grow deeper in our relationship with Christ and to broaden our impact on the world.

14 How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. - Romans 10: 14-15 (CSB)

Paul is speaking here about the necessity of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, what we call the Gospel. Although I really like how the CSB translation of the Bible states it, I also really like a paraphrase version that I found:

How can people call for help if they do not know who to trust? How can they know who to trust if they have not heard of the One who can be trusted? How can they hear if nobody tells them? How is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? - Romans 10:14-15 (MSG)

For All Believers, telling the gospel is not a task but a divine privilege. These verses encourage us to value and support those who do “tell” (preach) the gospel. These include pastors and missionaries, but also include EVERYONE else as well.

I want to encourage you to come join us tomorrow at 11am to hear the rest of this message. And I also want to ask you a question of great consequence;

Will you practice intentionality in telling the Gospel in 2025?

God bless you and I hope to see you online or in-person tomorrow,

PastorJohn96

Choosing Between God’s Voice and Man’s

Posted by PastorJohn96

There are times in every person’s life when we must decide who we are going to follow… whose voice we are going to listen to. Will we be swayed by what others want us to do or are we going to live life as God commands us? From personal experience, there are MANY times when those two “voices” are in direct conflict with one another.

How do we know what to do? May I suggest that we turn once again to the writings of the Apostle Paul. This time as he writes to a church in Galatia. I really like how the AMP (Amplified Bible Translation) puts it:

10 Am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were still trying to be popular with men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. - Galatians 1:10

Paul’s question indicates that his opponents, and there were many, were accusing him of preaching only to gain a following. What a waste that would be ….

Editor’s note:

except where indicated, all images are generated using AI technology

Paul is never one to “pull punches”. There is no need to argue or belabor his point to the naysayers… He is not there to please them. Let us break down this passage simply:

Galatians 1:10 is a verse in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul addresses the question of his motivations as a servant of Christ.

Meaning and Context:

Paul’s Defense of His Ministry: This verse is part of Paul’s defense of the gospel he preaches. In the preceding verses, Paul asserts that the message he preaches is not of human origin but comes directly from Christ. He is addressing critics who may have accused him of altering the gospel to gain favor or approval.
Seeking God’s Approval: Paul emphasizes that his primary goal is to please God, not humans. He distinguishes between living to gain human approval and living as a faithful servant of Christ. For Paul, being faithful to the gospel means prioritizing God’s will above societal or personal expectations.
Authenticity in Ministry: The verse challenges believers to examine their motivations. It reminds Christians that true discipleship involves prioritizing God’s truth, even when it conflicts with popular opinion or brings opposition.

Application:

Faith Over Popularity: Believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith, even when it is unpopular or countercultural.
Integrity in Leadership: For leaders and teachers, this verse underscores the importance of teaching and living out the gospel authentically without compromise for personal gain.
A Reflection for All Christians: It prompts self-reflection about whose approval one seeks in their daily life—God’s or people’s.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the cost and commitment of following Christ faithfully.

I don’t know exactly how the Lord may use this verse to speak to you today. I know for me personally, as a pastor, there are times when what others think I ought to do or say is in direct conflict with what the Lord is leading me to do or say. There are even more times when, despite my best efforts, I myself get in the way of how the Lord is leading. In either case, the question remains the same…….

Whose voice will I follow? Man’s voice? Or God’s voice?

I pray today that you have and continue to seek and follow the Lord’s voice in your life. I know that there are many voices competing for your attention. Yet, I also know that there is one voice that will never lead you astray.

Thank you for being on this journey with me. I am looking forward to what the Lord will continue to reveal in the time to come. May God bless you and keep you this day and always.