Messages by Dolph Painter

God made a test, Adam -our proxy- flunked that test- but Jesus passed it. If glory is sure, why did God give O.T. Law and N.T. Faith- Are both conditions, is only one of the two a condition, or are neither conditions- This message attempts to interrupt some of the weighty sayings in the 3rd chapter of Galatians. -Diagrams were used during the preaching of this sermon. Copies are available to those interested. Email the pastor of our church and they will be forwarded.-

Gal 3-1-9 - Israel esteemed a brass image and an ark more than the God behind these artifacts. 1st Century Christians esteemed the token of circumcision more than the God behind the token. Is it possible for 21st Century Christians to esteem our faith more than the God behind our faith- Can we have faith in our faith-

A dear member of our congregation went home to be with the Lord this past week. Because of social distancing and quarantining, very few of our congregation were permitted to attend her funeral. This message was not a repreaching of her funeral service- although it was a reminder of death, heaven, and thankfulness for a faithful witness.

The works of a person motivated by love and thankfulness may look like the works a person motivated by fear and blessings. Neighbors cannot always tell the difference, but God can. Law's works do not justify, but Faith's works do - which is the only way a bible student may reconcile Romans 2-5, Galatians 2-5, and James 2.

Paul constituted churches in Galatia and visited these churches on two more occasions. In between visits, another preacher came who challenged Paul's credentials and perverted the gospel. This is the introductory message in a series of messages from the Galatian Epistle.

What is the difference between regeneration and conversion- This message focuses on the cause and effect factors of each.

Pre-Law teaching -Job- was experiential. The priests' teaching added the law, the prophets teaching added skills, Jesus and the disciples' teachings included ideas. Fathers teach all of the above, as well as love. May the Lord bless our nation with fathers like these.

Jesus modeled love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. We are to love as He loved, forgive as He forgave, and show grace and mercy as He showed grace and mercy. So, how do we do such when those close to us may be struggling with alcoholism, addiction, or another sin which has a grip on them- This message attempts to direct and encourage saints in these relationships.

Many kings of Judah were blind to high places, but God showed grace despite their oversights. The disciples were blind to physical Israel, but God showed grace despite their lack of understanding. Thankfully, He shows us similar grace.

When we cry unfair- what we want is what we feel is coming to us - but when it comes to eternity, we do not want what we are due. We want mercy and grace. Justice is fair. Mercy and Grace are unfair. When it comes to eternal salvation, thank the Lord that He is unfair - for He is merciful and gracious to saints.