Hope

Sermon Recap: Feb 2nd 2025

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Galatians: No Other Gospel

Our First Sermon Series of 2025

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

New Year, New Beginnings: Trusting God in 2025

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Hello Friends,

It’s been quite a while—4.5 years, to be exact—since I last updated this blog. Life has been full of twists and turns, and somewhere along the way, this space became very, very quiet. But today, on New Years Day 2025,I’m inspired to try to breathe new life into something that I was once very passionate about… writing. Whether you’re a long-time reader or a newcomer, I’m so glad you’re here as we begin anew. Let’s dive back into sharing our stories, life reflections, meaningful scripture, and a little piece of our journey through this strange thing called life together. Thanks for sticking around—I’ve have really missed this!

Personally, this past year was a banner year for me. Among many other blessings that I could mention… I got married! That’s right, I could not ask for a better story to begin to reintroduce this blog …. On December 16th of 2023, I surprised the love of my life with a proposal in a garden near where we had our first date. You may have guessed at this point that she said yes. And on March 23, 2024, we were married in Monroe, Georgia in front of our families (both biological and church) and friends. We have chosen to reside in my home town, where we are currently living in a renovation project very near to our hearts. We just celebrated our first holiday season as a married couple and are excitedly looking forward to 2025 for many, many reasons. (More on that another time)

Although it has been a banner year, there are still some struggles. Without going into great detail, I will say that these struggles are not unique to our world… I know that many of you have had similar struggles as well this past year. I have made mistakes, I have been the unfortunate recipient of other peoples mistakes, and sometimes, well, this lost and broken world just heaps down a bunch of “stuff” all at once. This reminds us, that no matter how good we are (which is up for debate for every single one of us), we are not in control and we desperately need the Lord… every minute of every day.

With that knowledge clearly in our field of vision, let us consult God’s Word for inspiration, assistance, and maybe even correction:

18 “Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. 19 Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:18-19

Wow! What a great passage of Scripture to begin the new year with. Praise the Lord for his wisdom and perfect timing. Let’s dive in a little bit.

Meaning and Context:

  1. Do Not Remember Former Things
    God encourages us to not remain stuck in the past—our past failures, challenges, or ironically even our victories. This does not mean we erase our memories or forget the lessons learned…. but to not let our past define or limit what God can do now. This is often (from personal experience) very difficult to do.
  2. I Am Doing Something New
    This verse speaks to almighty God’s transformative power. God declares that He is bringing about something fresh and unprecedented in the lives of those who faithfully follow Him. It is a call to embrace change and anticipate the new works God is preparing, even if they are not immediately visible. And I know that it is hard to see this on the very first day of the year, but God will be working in you (for His glory and our good) every minute of every day of 2025… you can count on it!
  3. A Way in the Wilderness
    Wilderness and wasteland symbolize desolation and challenges, but God promises provision, guidance, and renewal in such places. This reflects His ability to create hope, life, and direction in the most unlikely circumstances. Regardless of where we start here on the first day of the year, we will need to remember this in the days to come. As much as God’s love is a guarantee, so is brokenness of this world,
  4. Rivers in The Desert
    The imagery of streams in barren places emphasizes God’s ability to bring refreshment and abundance to areas that seem lifeless. It symbolizes spiritual renewal and His faithfulness to meet our needs. What an amazing picture to lean on as we begin this new year… not our power nor our strength, but His….. “Streams in barren places”… and amazing promise indeed!

Application:

This passage is a great encouragement to trust in God’s sovereignty and to look forward with faith, knowing that He can bring new opportunities, growth, and blessings even in challenging situations. It reassures believers that God is always working for their good and His glory, no matter the circumstances. With the Lord fighting for us, we are always hopeful…knowing that He will always prevail!

I pray that this Word from the Lord will be an encouragement for you today. Even if you are beginning 2025 with trepidation over difficulties in life…. maybe looking for ways to recover financially after a generous Christmas giving season… or trying to figure out how to share not so good news with our loved ones…. or planning your next move for a live-in-renovation that might not have been your best choice….. may the Lord encourage and strengthen you today… like Rivers in the desert!

God bless you all,

Pastor John