Mission City Church w/ Pastor Josh Hershey

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). How do we become loving servants rather than people who “bite” and “devour” one another? The answer is the Spirit! Paul writes, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). The Spirit of new creation life changes everything! Join us as we unpack how “walking in the Spirit” enables us to stand fast in our liberty in Christ and love each other completely!

One of the astounding aspects of the Bible is its chronology. From the creation of the cosmos to the crucifixion of Christ, the Bible presents a prophetic timeline that is truly wondrous! While this timeline was accepted by pretty much all Christians up until the 19th century, there has been much doubt since then regarding its reliability. But there need not be! Modern discoveries from the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as a recovery of the chronology from the Septuagint has made modern history and archaeology fit hand and glove with what the Bible presents. We do not follow cunningly devised fables! (2 Pet 1:16)

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). Though we have been ‘freed’ from the ‘yoke of the law’ we are now ‘yoked’ to Jesus. This yoke (or teaching) is one that is “easy and light” (Matthew 11:28). The liberty of the Christian looks like being a servant of Christ and subsequently also a servant of one another. We have been liberated to love! Join us!

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Our greatest victories in life come as we learn to rest in the strength of our Savior. Join us as we close this series by looking at the STORY OF SAMSON. A man who had his greatest victory against the enemy in his identification with the cross of Christ!

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20). Join us as we unpack the little phrase CHRIST LIVES IN ME! Our life is lived from the INDWELLING CHRIST. He is the full source of new creation life. Without whom we can do nothing! (John 15:5)

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20). Join us this morning as we unpack what it means to “live by faith in the Son of God”, or, as many other translations put it, “live by the faith of the Son of God”/“live by the faithfulness that is of God’s Son.” Christ is the AUTHOR and PERFECTER of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). As we keep our eyes on the indwelling Christ, faith and faithfulness flourish! We do not live from our own resources—including the resources of our own faith!

Some people enjoy making “resolutions” in the new year. The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). Why such the adamant resolution? What is so crucial about this message? Well, it is the foundational truth of the Christian life! Paul wrote to the Galatians, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). Join us this morning as we begin to unpack this powerful truth!

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15) The gift of Christ Jesus transforms the way we can view ourselves as well as the world around us. We no longer view things from a fleshly perspective (2 Cor. 5:16). Rather, we view things from being “wrapped” in the Indescriable Gift, Jesus Christ! Join us as Keith Hershey shares this important message.

Last week we saw how the birth narratives of Christ moved from joy, to great joy, to exceedingly great joy. This morning we are going to look at the ministry of Christ and His apostles. How they taught and brought a kingdom which is “righteousness, peace, and JOY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT” (Rom. 14:17). We can “BE OF GOOD CHEER” no matter what storms or trials we face in life because we have been given the “joy of the Lord” which “no one will take from us!” (John 15:11; 16:22). Join us!

We are in the season of Advent. A season where we are reminded of the importance of “waiting” and “watching” for the coming of our Lord. The apostle Peter wrote, “Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory!” The joy of the Lord that accompanies the believer is so great and glorious that it cannot be put into words! It is a deep well of gladness that abides no matter what trials or sorrows we pass through in life. It is a gift of Christ and fruit of the Spirit. Jesus has given us EXCEEDINGLY GREAT JOY that cannot be taken away! Join us as we dig into what the joy of the Lord is and seek to rejoice in the Lord at all times, especially during this Advent season.