INTRO — Here we are nearing the end of a study of the book of Galatians. The book might be broken by taking chapters 1 & 2 “the apostle of freedom,” chapters 3 & 4 “the gospel of freedom,” and now we start chapters 5 & 6 “the life of freedom.” Two conditions threaten Christianity: 1) legalism & 2) license.…

As a youth, one of my favorite songs was “Wild Youth” sung by Billy Idol when he was with Generation X. The song is typical of ignorant youth; thought I had all the answers. Christians sometimes carry on as if we have all the answers. Sure, the answer is Jesus and the problem is sin. Yes the Bible is…

Marie was special from the first smile she sent my way. I never doubted her love for family and friends nor for Jesus. Marie called me from time to time. She never asked for things for herself. However, she did ask for others. One of the things I knew about Marie was she loved to talk on phone. I always…

INTRO - In the last two weeks Jennifer and I enjoyed the western Caribbean. Just prior to that, the last Sunday in this pulpit, I confessed how even pastors, using myself as in illustration, need to confess sin. Most especially, if I expect to follow Paul’s example, “become as I am” we noted in Gal.…

In our message last week we noted the way forward is never turning back nor is it standing still. The way forward is difficult, involves work, and often great sacrifice. Sometime the way forward is not what we want. Sometimes the solution is not what we want to do. Often, like medicine, the way forward…

ILL - I once heard that the past is easy to put on, like an old glove. The past fits just as it once had, like that old glove. Perhaps you’ve thought, “It might be easier to just go back?” Things such as progress in employment, in a relationship, or with Jesus often get more difficult and not easier.…

INTRO - Last week we talked about being a new person in Jesus. We noted that we become part of the church in that process. This morning we will build on that to discuss more about our adoption into the family of God. ILL - Our cats, Samara and Sapphire, meow back at us when we talk to them. Its as if…

INTRO - In our message last week week discussed why we need law; specifically the Law of God. This morning we continue to address matters related to the Law, but with specific emphasis on Christ’s relationship with people. Perhaps you recall the wedding between Kate Middleton and William Arthur Philip…

INTRO - This morning we return to our series “Grace and Power.” We suspended the series through the holidays. In our last message from this series we talked about blocked blessings, bought blessings, and blessings that abound. This morning we will consider for aspects of how the law touches our lives.…

Dedicated to the Lord, Caleb is unlike most of us. Read Joshua 14:6-14 Caleb is one of two spies who gave a good report of the Holy Land. After 45 years, Caleb remains a man of faith who makes a request for the land of Canaan. READ focus verse; Caleb’s request : Now then, give me this hill country about…