In this third sermon in the "Together" series, we learn about how we are linked together in ways that make us stronger. We grow stronger when we find strength in numbers and as we realize that we are 'one'. Finally, as we experience growth, we find that growth together requires change.

What do you think of when you hear the word "church"? The answers vary widely, especially if you have experienced pain within the church. God intended that His people would come together and experience connection, comfort and collaboration. John 17:20-21 says: “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”

God designed us to be connected. Connected to Him and to one another. In this new series "Together", Pastor Troy Sowden speaks to the peace and love that were given to us through the life and sacrifice of Jesus.

In a practical recap of the study of Galatians, Pastor Troy Sowden challenges us to take action. We are to cast off self-righteousness; take hold of one another; follow the Holy Spirit, closely; and, sow good seed in good soil. Good soil means family, church and kingdom. All this with the purpose of making the earth look like heaven.

In the final chapter of Galatians, Paul reminds them that the church should walk in the power of restoration for those who have strayed. Paul teaches that how we live matters, and he uses the parable of sowing and reaping. He reminds them that Jesus himself was a seed, and we all benefit from reaping what He sowed on the cross.

What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit"? In Galatians 5:13-26 Paul continues the theme that "Jesus is sufficient", saying that if we walk by (stay close to) the Holy Spirit we enjoy the fruit of the Spirit. By getting 'more Jesus' we get more love, joy, peace, forbearance [patience], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

In Galatians 5:1-13, Paul continues to remind the Galatians of where they HAD BEEN in Christ. Why would they choose to "be burdened again by a yoke of slavery"? In verse 13, Paul lands with the statement: "You ... were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."

In Galatians 4:17-31, Paul again challenges the Galatians to choose the freedom offered by the Gospel. He uses a parable from Israel’s history to illustrate the differences between slavery under the Law and freedom through the Gospel.

In Galatians 4:1-16, Paul speaks to the church at Galatia about their former state as slaves, and he wonders why they are returning to their former slavery. Paul reminds them that they are all children of God, but he is wondering whether he had wasted his time on them. In fact, Paul wonders whether they consider him their enemy, even though he is just reminding them of the truth.

In Galatians 3:15-28, we see that Paul continues to teach proper attitudes towards one another. We are taught that the Law does not give life even though the Old Testament is still a valuable component of the bible. In addition, we see the culmination of the Christian doctrine of equality: being one in the Lord Jesus Christ.