Christians At UMMC

Why did Jesus speak in parables?  Also, why did he often say, "he who has an ear, let him hear?"  Didn't every person listening to him have ears?  Didn't everyone listen the words that Jesus was saying?  Maybe everyone listened, but not everyone heard what he was saying.  Parables are actually very significant in Jesus' ministry because through them, He actually spoke what was important to God.  It might not help with our boss or our social anxiety, but it was what was on God's heart!  That's why in these next few months, we will be getting into some of the most famous and maybe not so famous parables to see what really is on God's heart.  Today, we start with Matthew 13, the Parable of the Sower.  A very famous parable, but do we actually realize the significance of this story?  Check it out and share with your friends!

While concluding the epistles to the Galatians, Paul ends it with a corporate view.  Our relationship with God is so important!  In addition, our relationship with one another is almost as important because without the Body of Christ, God's expression on earth is still limited.  With that being said, Paul reminds us that we are always sowing seeds.  Some seeds cause our flesh and the flesh of others to grow.  Conversely, some seeds cause God to receive the glory and others to be encouraged and strengthened.  Therefore, may we not be deceived and take heed to what we sow.

Sorry for the delay!  As Paul was wrapping up his letters to the Galatians, he brought up something very practical, Spirit versus Flesh.  All the other things, the traditions of men, the religious system, the ordinances could all noticed outwardly, but the main root of the problem is this matter of the Spirit versus the Flesh.  But what exactly is walking by the Spirit?  How does it differ from the flesh and why did Paul bring up this matter of the flesh in regards to religious practices?  Even proper religious practices?

As Paul continues in his letter to his Galatians, brings up this thought of slavery.  However, in Romans, while the things that can bring us into slavery are the world and sin, here in Galatians, the thing that can bring us into slavery is the law.  If a good Christian isn't supposed to keep the law of do's and don'ts, how should a Christian live?

In the end of Galatians 4, Paul actually shows us that story of Abraham, Hagar and Sarah in Genesis 16 is actually a picture of two covenants!  In fact, these two covenants are what Paul is striving so hard to distinguish for the believers in Galatia.  Yet even today, these two covenants have massive implications for our christian life!  Check out our podcast to see what is the significant of being ones that are "children of promise."  Feel free to share with your friends if you enjoyed this podcast!

Evangelizing and discipling is a cornerstone of the Christian faith.  However, how should we do it?  How does Paul shepherd the new believers and how does that compare to us?  How does it compare to our Lord Jesus?  

Often as Christians, you hear the term "Born Again."  But when you ask someone what that means, the actually mean you're adopted.  However, what does the Bible mean when in John 3, Jesus said "that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."  Furthermore, in Galatians 4:6, Paul addresses us as sons of God.  Why is this important?  Join Christian and I as we explore what the Bible means when it states that we are truly sons of God.

In the Old Testament, the blessing of Abraham was the good land.  In fact, one of the main themes seen in the Old Testament was the children of Israel fighting to get into the good land and staying in the good land.  But through the divine revelation, Paul sees that the good land is actually just a picture of the Spirit!  To the Israelites, the land was literally everything!  However, what is the Spirit to us?  Join Christian and I as we open this matter of the Spirit!

As Paul continues to fight against the strong religious atmosphere in Galatia, he brings up this matter of faith in contrast to the works of law.  What is this faith that he is talking about?  I submit that he isn't talking about having faith that you'll score the winning touchdown or having faith that your project will succeed.  Rather, the faith in Galatians 3 is much more crucial not just for our initial salvation, but also our going on in our Christian life.

In contrast to a Christian life that is focused on keeping the law, Paul shows a different way to live the Christian life.  A life that is fully dependent on God.  A life that is not according to law but according to faith.  This is why Paul was so strong and passionate about this issue. What about us?  Do we see this?  More importantly, do we live in this way?  May God open our eyes to see that this what the Lord Jesus was talking about in the gospel.